Up in whiteleg shrimp exports
Sales of whiteleg shrimp remained to occupy a large share of 67.6% in Vietnam’s total shrimp exports, those of black tiger shrimp took up 23.4% and those of marine shrimp picked up 8.9%. Compared with the first half of 2017, the proportion of whiteleg shrimp increased while that of black tiger shrimp decreased.
In the first 7 months of 2018, the export value of whiteleg shrimp increased by 7%, while that of black tiger shrimp fell by 8% and that of marine shrimp dropped by 20% compared to the same period last year.
Down in shrimp exports in July
In July this year, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to major markets decreased compared to July last year. Exports to China fell by 47% while those to Japan and the U.S decreased by 15% and 18%, respectively. Export to the EU and South Korea also decreased by 15% and 10%, respectively.
The fall in shrimp exports in QII/2018 was believed to be driven by the impact of the drop in raw shrimp prices, which has affected the export price; meanwhile, high inventories also resulted in lower import orders from major markets.
The domestic raw shrimp price in QII/2018 decreased compared with the previous months. The price in the major producing countries such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, and China ... also fell sharply in the context of the bulk of the harvest which led to an oversupply.
The EU
The EU remained as a large importing market of Vietnamese shrimp in the first 7 months of this year, accounting for 24.9%. Vietnam’s shrimp exports to EU grew well in the first 6 months of the year. However, exports to this market in July began to fall by 14.6% to reach US$74 million. Exports to the EU as of July this year reached US$479.8 million, up 26% over the same period last year.
Exports to the three major markets (the Netherlands, the UK, Germany) rose by 46%, 20% and 36% in the first seven months of this year. Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU market still enjoy GSP incentives and benefits when the two competitors (India and Thailand) strongly reduced their exports to this market.
The U.S
In the first seven months of this year, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the U.S decreased by 9.5% to hit US$311.8 million. A rise in the anti-dumping duty partly caused a fall in Vietnam’s shrimp exports to this market.
In terms of total U.S shrimp imports, after a continuous increase in the last 14 months, the U.S shrimp imports had decreased in May and June this year. High inventories and difficulties in all major sources had reduced shrimps supplies to the U.S market.
In the first half of this year, the U.S imported 303,637 MT of shrimp, worth by US$2.8 billion, up 6% in volume and 3% in value over the same period in 2017. Top 5 biggest suppliers to the country included India (21.7%), Ecuador (12.2%), Thailand (7.2%) and Vietnam (7.1%).
In the remaining months of this year, when the demand from key markets and shrimp prices stabilize, Vietnam’s shrimp exports for the full year expected to reach about US$4 billion.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording sharp increases compared to the same period last year. In February alone, export value reached USD 8.4 million, up 148% year-on-year. Cumulatively, in the first two months of 2026, total tilapia export turnover hit USD 23 million, soaring 242% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In global seafood trade, sensory evaluation is increasingly becoming one of the key “technical barriers” in many importing markets-especially the United States. Issues such as filth, and signs of decomposition/spoilage are often detected through sensory evaluation methods and remain common reasons for seafood import alerts, detentions, or shipment rejections.
Shrimp has been the most important export product of Vietnam’s seafood industry for many years, typically accounting for 35–45% of the country’s total seafood export value. With a well-developed farming, processing, and export system, Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
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