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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Gia Vien district, tilapia farming—particularly the “duong nghiep” strain—is expanding rapidly and gradually becoming an efficient production model for local farmers. Hatcheries in the area are supplying high-quality, uniform, and disease-free fingerlings, meeting the growing demand for commercial farming.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of March 19, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, Le Van Su, chaired a meeting to address bottlenecks and propose solutions to expand the super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model using low water exchange and high biosecurity standards (RAS-IMTA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On March 10, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1377/QD-UBND approving the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026–2030 period. The decision takes effect from the date of signing and replaces previous plans for the 2021–2030 period that had been issued prior to the administrative merger in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
(vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Chile imported more than USD 156 million worth of tuna, up 8.1% compared to the previous year and the highest level in the past five years. As the supply structure in this market is rapidly shifting, Vietnamese tuna is facing both opportunities to expand market share and increasing competitive pressure from Thailand, Colombia, and China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vinh Long Province is stepping up efforts to develop brackish water shrimp farming in a sustainable direction, identifying it as a key sector in its agricultural structure. In 2026, the province aims to reach around 71,300 hectares of shrimp farming, with an output of over 314,000 tons.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ha Tinh Province is strengthening control over shrimp seed quality to minimize risks for the 2026 spring–summer farming season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 119 million, down slightly 5% year-on-year. However, thanks to strong performance in January, cumulative exports in the first two months of the year still reached USD 331 million, up 28% compared to the same period in 2025. Export activity slowed somewhat in February due to seasonal factors, particularly the Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted production and shipments at many seafood processing enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang is accelerating the development of high-tech shrimp farming toward intensive production, disease control, and improved efficiency. Many shrimp farms have invested in automated environmental monitoring systems, continuously tracking indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, enabling farmers to promptly adjust pond conditions and reduce disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 is considered a turning point for Vietnam’s shrimp seed industry as the sector faces the need for strong transformation in technology, production management, and gradual self-sufficiency in broodstock supply. These factors are seen as key to improving seed quality and strengthening the competitiveness of the shrimp industry amid increasingly demanding market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.
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