Jamnarnwej explained that Thailand’s exports of fresh, chilled and frozen seafood products stand at around 570,000 metric tons, 50 percent more than a decade ago, but down from a peak of 710,000 metric tons in 2007. Since 2002, the value of the country’s exports fresh, chilled and frozen seafood products has doubled from USD 1.2 billion to USD 2.75 billion.
Exports of shelf-stable seafood products over the past decade have also experienced some significant peaks and troughs, and they now stand at just under 300,000 metric tons. However, the unit price has risen significantly during that period, leading to a total value of USD 2.25 billion in 2011, up from USD 1.2 million in 2002. This means that the value of Thailand’s seafood exports now stand at USD 5 billion.
“The No. 1 export destination for all Thai seafood is the United States, which accounts for 36.4 percent of the value, closely followed by Japan at 28.4 percent,” said Jamnarnwej.
In 2011, Thailand’s exports to the United States were valued at USD 1.8 billion, up 12.61 percent from the previous year, while exports to Japan were valued at USD 1.43 billion, up 22.4 percent from 2010.
Other countries in the top 10, which together make up more than 85 percent of the total value of Thailand’s exports, are Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Germany, South Korea, China and France.
“Shrimp is our most important export product and now accounts for just under half of all exports, whereas six years ago it made up 30 percent,” said Jamnarnwej. “In terms of value, almost half (46.25 percent) went to the U.S. in 2011, with just under a quarter (22.26 percent) going to Japan.”
Thailand is the world’s second largest producer of shrimp, behind China, and produces white shrimp (Penaeous vannamei), black tiger shrimp (P. monodon) and the giant freshwater shrimp (Machrobranchium rosenbergii).
In 2011, Thailand produced 565,000 metric tons of shrimp, not far off from China’s 600,000 metric tons. By comparison, Central and South America produced 452,000 metric tons and Vietnam 240,000 metric tons. Total global production in 2011 amounted to 2,335,000 metric tons, up from 2,200,000 metric tons in 2010.
EU imports of shrimp in 2011, including coldwater, came to 551,643 metric tons. Thai output accounted for just under 10 percent, making it the fifth biggest supplier in terms of volume (although second in value), behind Ecuador, Argentina, Greenland and India. The severe flooding in coastal regions in 2010 resulted in volumes declining from 60,922 metric tons to 54,560 metric tons. However, production is now back on track and plentiful supplies are expected in 2012. It is anticipated that an increase in production, along with greater availability of shrimp from Vietnam and India this year, will lead to a reduction in price.
Jamnarnwej explained that Thailand’s export success was partly due to the considerable efforts made by the Thai government and industry over the past decade to ensure that production and manufacturing standards meet international expectations in terms of food safety, traceability, environmental integrity, social responsibility and labor regulations.
However, a major EU importer said these last two issues had been a concern and that considerable pressure had been put on the Thai government to improve them.
“An ongoing project to address child labor, forced labor and migrant welfare in the shrimp and seafood processing industry has already resulted in the development of a Good Labour Practice program, and we are also improving access to education and social protection services,” said Jamnarnwej.
“There is always room to do better, so we are not complacent but continually work to maintain our reputation as a responsible supplier of high class seafood,” he said.
Building on over three decades of trusted leadership, VASEP is proactively shaping a Dynamic Knowledge Ecosystem where data is transformed into actionable value and forward-looking insights for the business community
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
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