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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in September 2026 are estimated at US$1.135 billion, up 11.9% year-on-year, bringing total exports in the first nine months of the year to US$9.103 billion, up 11.4%. Behind this double-digit growth, however, increasingly divergent market trends are emerging: China–Hong Kong and ASEAN posted strong growth, while the U.S., EU and Japan all recorded declines in September.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
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