As the main supplying countries continuously cut their quotas which results in a drop in production, the price of cold-water shrimp is increasing. Sales of warmwater shrimp in British supermarkets and retail channels continued to increase while sales of coldwater shrimp decreased. The value and volume of warm water shrimp products sold in the UK for household consumption has increased continuously over the past 3 years. Shrimp sales in 52 weeks ended on October 6, 2018, reaching 31.418 MTs, worth £446.4 million (equivalent to US$571.6 million).
The UK is the third largest importer of shrimp products in the EU after Spain and France. Unlike Spain (importing medium-sized shrimp for domestic consumption and export processing to intra-regional countries), the UK imports mainly shrimp for domestic consumption. In the last 4 years, the UK has been a considerable market of many Vietnamese shrimp exporting enterprises.
In the EU, the UK is the largest shrimp import market of Vietnam, accounting for nearly 36% of total shrimp exports of Vietnam to the EU and accounting for 6.8% of total Vietnam shrimp exports to all markets. In 2017, Vietnam shrimp export to the UK reached US$210.6 million, increasing by 55.5% compared to 2016. Accumulated to November 15, 2018, Vietnam shrimp export to the UK reached US$212.1 million, up by 16.4% over the same period last year.
From 2014 till now, the UK has always been in the top 2 positions in Vietnamese shrimp import markets. From 2014 to 2017, Vietnam shrimp exports to the UK continued to grow from US$114.6 million in 2014 to US$210.6 million in 2017, an increase of nearly 84%. As of November 15 this year, exporting Vietnam shrimp to the UK has reached US$212.1 million, higher than the export value of Vietnam shrimp to the UK in the whole year of 2017 (US$212.1 million).
Vietnam is the largest shrimp supply for the UK, accounting for 26.3% of total value of British shrimp imports, followed by India with 15.5%.
The UK is a remarkable market of Vietnamese shrimp exporters in the EU because exporting enterprises to this market are entitled to GSP tax incentives, similar to the general provisions in exporting to the EU. Processed shrimp products originating from Vietnam in the UK market have a higher advantage in price and quality compared to those of India and Bangladesh.
Because the UK is a highly competitive market from rival suppliers, businesses need to understand the market to make products suitable to consumers' tastes here. In order to succeed in the UK market, businesses need to provide products with good prices with consistent supplies and the ability to improve product development to keep up the tastes of people.
(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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