In the past 10 years (2007-2016), the import volume of shrimp into the country ranged from 76.7 thousand MT in 2007 to 83 thousand MT in 2016, up 8%. In the last 4 years (2013-2016), the demand for shrimp in South Korean was stable due to the decrease in domestic fish production and a tendency towards a healthy diet.
According to the World Trade Center (ITC), in the first 7 months of 2017, shrimp imports into the country reached US$307.3; up 13% year on year. Among the largest shrimp suppliers to South Korea, imports from Vietnam, Thailand and Ecuador increased by 15.8%; 26.8%; 33.9% respectively, while imports from China decreased 37.4% over the same period in 2016.
South Korea stayed as the fifth largest importer of Vietnam shrimp behind the EU, Japan, China and the U.S; accounting for 9.7% of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to markets. It was also the third largest buyer of Vietnam whiteleg shrimp in 2016.
In the past 10 years (2007-2016), Vietnam’s shrimp exports to South Korea showed the continuous positive growth. In 2015, exports to the market decreased due to a sharp increase in 2014 with an increase in the global shrimp prices and the dollar. In the first 9 months of 2017, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market kept a good growth rate. As of 15th Sep 2017, Vietnam’s shrimp export to South Korea hit US$243.2 million; up 29.8% over the same period in 2016.
With the stable demand and high export prices and tax incentives under The Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and Korea (VKFTA); Korea expected to be a potential importing market of Vietnam in the coming time while exports to the main traditional markets face difficulties.
From 2007 to 2016, exports of whiteleg shrimp to South Korea remained to take the largest share in Vietnam’s shrimp sales to the market, from 42% in 2009 to over 80% in 2016. With the strong demand over the years, in 2016, South Korea held as Vietnam's third largest whiteleg shrimp importer. Of that, the country prefers fresh/live/frozen whiteleg shrimp (HS code 03). From 2009 to 2016, shipments of live/fresh/frozen whiteleg shrimp (HS code 03) to Korea were 1.4 - 2.2 times higher than those of processed items (HS code 16). In the coming time, the import demand for whiteleg shrimp in South Korea expected to continue the rise.
Sales of black tiger shrimp took the second proportion in total shipments to the market, but decreased from 23.5% in 2009 to 10.5% in 2016. In the period of 2010-2012, the proportion of black tiger shrimp accounted for 50-60% in total shrimp exports. However, in the period of 2013-2016, it decreased to 29-30% due to a drop in Vietnam’s export volume of this item.
Although Vietnam’s exports of black tiger shrimp to South Korea were low, the export turnover to the market in the last two years (2015-2016) tended to increase.
In South Korea, Vietnam shrimp has to compete with the same item from China and India. However, Vietnam enjoyed the lowest import duty (10%) compared to other competitors such as China (20%), India (12.5%), Ecuador (20%) and Thailand (10%).
After a year implementing the VKFTA, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the market recorded many positive changes.
(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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