The US is the second largest shrimp import market of Vietnam after the EU, accounting for 18.2% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports to markets. Shrimp export average turnover to the US reached about 700 million US$ per year, in 2014, shrimp export to the US increased dramatically to over 1 billion US$.
In 2017, Vietnam whiteleg shrimp export to the US reached 536.3 million US$, accounting for over 81% of total shrimp export products to the US. In the first ten months of this year, Vietnam whiteleg shrimp exports to this market still maintained the proportion of 81% of the total shrimp product structure to the US, with 540.4 million US$.
From 2012 onwards, tiger shrimp dominated the structure of exported shrimp products to the US. The proportion of export value was continuously 1.3 to 1.6 higher than that of whiteleg shrimp.
In 2013, whiteleg shrimp for the first time surpassed tiger shrimp in export value to the US thanks to the increase in domestic whiteleg shrimp production.
Economic recession at this time had changed the trend and consumer habits of the American people. In 2013, shrimp market report showed that consumers in this country had switched to using whiteleg shrimp instead of black tiger shrimp, and this trend continued to maintain in 2013.
In 2013, the US became the number one consumer market for Vietnam whiteleg shrimp exports. The supply of whiteleg shrimp from Thailand fell sharply due to the influence of EMS, Vietnam and India have become an alternative supply thanks to the strong increase in the production of whiteleg shrimp of both countries.
From 2013 to 2017, the proportion of white leg shrimp exported to the US was always higher than that of tiger shrimp. During this period, the export value of whiteleg shrimp is nearly 3 times higher than that of tiger shrimp. In 10 years (2008-2017), whiteleg shrimp exports reached a record high in 2014 with 775.7 million USD; accounting for nearly 73% of total shrimp export value of Vietnam to the US.
While whiteleg shrimp exports had fallen in 2017, this year August, September and October had witnessed positive recovery. In the context of a positive anti-dumping tax POR 12 that made competitors such as Thailand reduce exports to the US, along with the US-China trade war, Vietnam whiteleg shrimp exports remained having many opportunities in the US market.
According to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the first 9 months of 2018, the total imports of shrimp to the US reached nearly 492000 MT, worth 4.4 billion USD, up by 4% in volume but down by 4% in value compared to the same period last year. Starting from August this year, importing shrimp into the US has shown signs of recovery after the continuous fall in the 4 consecutive previous months.
The US has an increasing trend of importing warm water shrimp including whiteleg shrimp from Asian countries, reducing cold water shrimp imports from Mexico and Canada. For frozen whiteleg shrimp products, the US mainly imports from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Ecuador. For processed whiteleg shrimp products, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Indonesia are the main suppliers for the US respectively.
Of the total US shrimp imports, whiteleg shrimp accounted for 69% of total imports, marine shrimp accounted for 7% and tiger shrimp 4%. Meanwhile, the level of whiteleg shrimp farming in Vietnam is quite high with the annual output reaching up to 350000 MT, so the room for exporting white shrimp of Vietnam to the US is still relatively large.
(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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