EU Shrimp Imports Maintain Growth in 2025
According to data from Shrimp Insight, during the first ten months of 2025, the EU imported approximately 374,500 tonnes of frozen whiteleg shrimp (HS03061792) and value-added processed shrimp (HS160521, 160529), up 18% year-on-year; import value surged by 21% to €2.35 billion. This growth reflects relatively resilient consumer demand, particularly in Southern Europe and North-Western Europe, which collectively account for over 95% of the bloc’s total shrimp imports.
Within this landscape, Ecuador continued to solidify its position as the leading supplier, exporting over 203,700 tonnes, up a sharp 37%, far outpacing other sources. India saw robust growth, rising to approximately 51,500 tonnes (up 33%), while Vietnam ranked third with nearly 46,000 tonnes (up 12%).
Although the market share gap between Vietnam and India remains relatively narrow, the distance from Ecuador’s dominant position continues to expand.
Animal welfare emerging as a mandatory technical requirement
Against this backdrop, new animal welfare standards are emerging as a critical non-tariff barrier. From 2026, many major retail chains in the EU and the UK will require warm-water shrimp to be fully stunned - typically using electrical methods - prior to ice-slurry chilling, replacing traditional thermal shock methods. Retailers such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have already incorporated this into their sourcing policies, directly linking compliance to supplier eligibility.
Unlike conventional non-tariff barriers, this requirement cannot be addressed through documentation or certification. Exporters are compelled to reinvest in harvesting and primary processing technologies, redesign operational workflows and tighten controls over live shrimp logistics. The capital expenditure required for electrical stunning lines is substantial, posing a challenge as profit margins across the shrimp sector continue to tighten.
Intensifying competition in the EU market
From a competitive perspective, animal welfare standards may indirectly favor countries accustomed to large-scale, low-cost production models with high certification rates. Ecuador, which holds a commanding market share in the EU, possesses a significantly higher proportion of ASC-certified shrimp compared to Vietnam and benefits from vertically integrated production chains that facilitate the adoption of new technologies. India, leveraging its scale and cost advantages, is also rapidly expanding its presence as other markets, notably the U.S, become increasingly unpredictable.
Meanwhile, according to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU reached over $562 million by December 15, 2025, up 22% year-on-year, underscoring the EU’s continued importance and remaining growth potential. However, failing to adapt to these emerging standards risks rendering current growth short-lived.
Adapting to new standards to sustain position in the EU
Animal welfare is no longer matter of corporate image or pure social responsibility; it is becoming a prerequisite for market participation in the EU. For Vietnam’s shrimp industry, the challenge lies not only in investment costs but also in ensuring the transition does not widen the gap between large enterprises and SMEs, which constitute a significant share of exports.
The early development of technical guidelines, domestic standards and financial mechanisms to support technological innovation will be critical in preventing the industry from being caught off guard by this wave of higher requirements. As competition intensifies, the ability to meet price, quality and production standards simultaneously will determine whether Vietnamese shrimp can strengthen its position in the EU market in the years ahead.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn