Growth in October was strongly supported by whiteleg shrimp products and by China, which continues to show robust demand for Vietnam’s fresh and frozen shrimp.
China and CPTPP lead the expansion
In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to most major markets increased. China & Hong Kong was the standout, reaching USD 1.1 billion, up 64% — the strongest growth among all markets. In October alone, this market recorded USD 140 million, maintaining the top position both monthly and cumulatively.
The CPTPP bloc reached over USD 1 billion in the 10-month period, up 33% year-on-year. October exports reached USD 121 million. This region provides stability thanks to steady demand in Japan, Canada, and Australia.
Exports to the US reached USD 702 million, up 9% year-on-year. October exports stood at USD 114 million, indicating sustained demand despite competition from Ecuador and India.
Exports to the EU reached USD 487 million, up 20% year-on-year. In October, this market posted USD 53 million, showing continued stable demand for processed, certified, and value-added products.
Notably, Taiwan recorded very strong growth in October, reaching USD 12 million—up nearly 80% from October 2024—highlighting expansion prospects in Asia–Pacific markets.
Whiteleg shrimp remains the core product; black tiger shrimp stable
Whiteleg shrimp continued to account for the largest share, reaching USD 2.5 billion, or nearly 65% of total 10-month export value. This product group recorded the highest growth thanks to competitive prices, large supply, and wide acceptance in major markets.
Black tiger shrimp reached USD 385 million (about 10% of total exports). Exports remained stable due to steady demand in Japan and strong demand for large-sized and eco-shrimp in China. Other shrimp products reached USD 991 million, a sharp increase year-on-year, reflecting growing production of frozen and deeply processed items that improve factory efficiency and target higher-value market segments.
Asia continues to be the key growth engine
Since the beginning of the year, Asia has been the strongest driver of Vietnam’s shrimp export growth. China–Hong Kong rose more than 60%, Taiwan surged in October, and Korea maintained mild growth. This shows improving regional demand amid gradual economic recovery, geographic advantages, and market diversification strategies in the context of US tariff pressures.
Meanwhile, the US, Japan, and the EU maintained stable growth, mainly in value-added and processed shrimp categories.
Shrimp exports are expected to slow in the last quarter, mainly due to US tariffs and other trade defense measures — a major challenge for Vietnam’s second-largest shrimp market. These pressures affect costs, competitiveness, and contract timelines.
If exporters continue to optimize value-added products, uphold quality, and diversify markets, the slowdown can be mitigated. However, the general trend suggests that Q4 growth will be slower or slightly lower than in mid-year months.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
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