Shrimp
Through Oct 2016, Vietnam’s shrimp exports valued at US$2.58 billion, up 5.2% compared to the same period last year. Of which, exports of black tiger shrimp fell by 4.8% but those of whiteleg shrimp increased by 11.3%. Total shrimp exports continued to go up thanks to the good growth in the export value to three major markets including the U.S, EU, China.
The U.S remained as the largest importer of Vietnam’s shrimp, accounting for 23.4% of total exports. In the period, the U.S was the biggest consumption market for whiteleg shrimp of Vietnam’s enterprises. According to Vietnam Customs, shipments of processed whiteleg shrimp (HS code 16) were almost 2-time higher than those of fresh/live/frozen whiteleg shrimp (HS code 03). Also according to the ITC, at present, Vietnam ranked the 4th largest suppler of shrimp to the U.S. While shrimp imports from the large suppliers such as Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Ecuador into the U.S fell in the first half of this year, those from Vietnam increased slightly over the same period last year.
China expected to be a potential importing market in 2017. As of Oct 2016, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to this market increased by 24.7% over the same period in 2015. The import demand for shrimp in China keeps growing strongly, while the country's shrimp production predicted to decline to 1.2-1.3 million MT in 2016 from 1.5 million MT in 2015 due to diseases.
Pangasius
Vietnam’s pangasius to the U.S and China are in the first 10 months of this year showed the good growth. During this period, total pangasius exports of Viet Nam reached US$1.39 billion, a slight increase of 6.4% over the same period last year. In particular, shipments to the U.S and China recorded the year-on-year rise of 22.7% and 76.1%, respectively; and both accounted for 39.9% of total exports.
So far, high anti-dumping duty and catfish inspection program has not influenced much to exports to the U.S. Currently, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S still had to fiercely compete with Chinese tilapia in this market.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to China reached US$235.5 million in the first 10 months of this year. The gap between China and the U.S, the largest importing market, is increasingly shrinking. In 2017, China could replace the U.S to rank as the largest buyer of Vietnam’s pangasius.
Tuna
As of Oct 2016, Vietnam’s tuna exports gained US$410 million, up 5.2% compared to the same period last year. During this period, Vietnam’s enterprises tended to boost exports of frozen tuna loins (HS code 0304) and steamed tuna loins or flake form (HS code 1604). Exports of frozen tuna loins reached US$196.3 million, accounting for 47.8% of total tuna exports.
So far, Vietnam’s tuna exports to some major importing markets reported a slight year-on-year rise. Of that exports to the US increased by 0.6%; those to EU up 4.9%, those to ASEAN up 16.8%; those to Israel up 22.7%; and those to China up 54.6% over the same period last year. Total tuna exports in 2016 expected to rise by 5-7% compared to the same period last year.
Written by Ta Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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