Key Markets Show Strong Growth
South Korea and Thailand remain the two largest markets, importing USD 49 million (up 21%) and USD 46 million (up 24%) respectively in the first seven months of the year. Both markets consume these products directly and reprocess products for regional distribution.
Within CPTPP markets, export value of this product group rose 23% to USD 31 million. Japan led with a 25% growth, reflecting signs of recovery in traditional processed products. Malaysia and Singapore also showed positive growth at 19% and 21%, respectively.
Notably, in July 2025 alone, exports to China and Hong Kong skyrocketed by 104% year-on-year. Cumulative exports for the first seven months reached $26 million, rise 57%, driven by rising demand for both consumption and reprocessing.
The EU emerged as a bright spot, with July imports surging 89%. Total exports for the period reached $16 million, up 47%, led by Lithuania and Spain.
By contrast, the U.S. market remained modest at $6 million with a slight increase (2%). However, July 2025 saw a sharp 74% decline compared to July 2024, due to new countervailing tariff policies and cautious importers.
Global market context
On the international market, global surimi supply remains abundant, keeping prices under downward pressure. Japanese buyers are selective, accepting price increases only for premium grade-A surimi, while lower-grade products maintain stable prices. In the EU, declining inflation has boosted purchasing power, supporting demand for mid-value processed products. South Korea increased seafood imports in the first half of 2025, strengthening its role as one of Vietnam’s key markets.
Meanwhile, the U.S is considered the most policy-risk-prone market. New countervailing tariffs may affect potentially undermining competitiveness, especially as exemptions for specific HS codes remain unclear.
Outlook for the second half of 2025
In the latter half of 2025, Asian markets are expected to continue driving growth in Vietnam’s fish cakes and surimi exports, supported by stable demand and flexible pricing. The EU is forecast to maintain its recovery momentum, with a focus on convenient, small-packaged products catering to cost-conscious consumers. China and Hong Kong show strong growth potential but face intense competition from Russian and ASEAN suppliers.
The U.S. remains the most unpredictable market. Businesses are advised to secure contracts only with clear tariff confirmations.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 closed with a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s total shrimp export turnover in 2025 reached USD 4.6 billion, up 19% compared to 2024 and the highest level ever recorded.
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