There are still concerns about the new variant of Covid-19 and its effects but overall restrictions have been eased. Airlines resume normal operations, travel recovers, foodservice sector recuperates. This is considered one of the supporting factors for the growth momentum of Vietnam's shrimp exports in the first quarter of this year.
Reports from provinces with large shrimp farming areas such as Soc Trang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, and Kien Giang showed positive progress and success in the stocking. In the first 3 months of this year, Soc Trang is the province with the largest shrimp export volume, reaching over 231 million USD, accounting for 24.4% of the total shrimp export value of the country during this period. With the priority of developing effective production models, Soc Trang has been leading the country in shrimp export turnover for 2 consecutive years, with a value of more than 1 billion USD. The next largest shrimp exporting provinces are Ca Mau (accounting for 24%), Bac Lieu (accounting for 10.8%), Hau Giang (accounting for 8.2%), and Ho Chi Minh City (accounting for 6.3%).
In the first quarter of this year, Vietnam's shrimp exports to major markets recorded double-digit growth. The US continues to be the single largest importer of Vietnam's shrimp with a proportion of 20.4%. Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US accumulated in the first 3 months of this year reached nearly 195 million USD, up 45% over the same period.
The number of Covid cases in the US remains low and the vaccination rate is high. People's lives are adapted to Covid - 19. According to experts, shrimp imports from the US in 2022 will continue growths.
Shrimp sales in the US foodservice industry skyrocketed in 2021, although they have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The demand for large-sized shrimps (26-30 pcs/kg) and for easy-to-process shrimps tends to increase markedly. Nearly 137,000 tons of shrimp were consumed through foodservice channels in 2021, an increase of 25,000 tons compared to 2020. With the recovery of demand for the HORECA chain and the strength of processed shrimp, Vietnamese shrimp exports to the US will continue tobe positive in 2022.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU in the first quarter of this year reached more than US$159 million, up 66% over the same period last year. Exports to three main single markets in the bloc, namely the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, increased by 77%, 59%, and 82%, respectively.
The demand for shrimp in Europe usually increases in late summer and early autumn, so importers and distributors in this market are preparing orders from this time.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to China in the first three months of this year reached over $106 million, up 70% over the same period. This is a good signal for shrimp exports to this market after a quiet 2021. The demand for shrimp imports from this market this year will be more stable when China this year advocates increasing the amount of imported seafood to 66 million tons to reduce demand for pork. However, this country is still pursuing the 'Zero Covid' policy, so it will more or less affect Vietnam's shrimp exports to this market in the near future.
It is forecasted that shrimp exports in the second quarter of this year will continue to have a high growth momentum. If the situation is favorable, shrimp export turnover in the whole year of 2022 can achieve a growth rate of 10%. Vietnam's shrimp exports this year will have a steady growth momentum thanks to the demand from still good markets and incentives from Trade Agreements such as CPTPP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, RCEP... However, situations in some markets such as China maintaining the "Zero Covid" policy, sea freight not showing any signs of "cooling down", and instability from the Russia-Ukraine conflict... are still challenges that shrimp companies must face in the next quarter.
Compiled by Minh Trang
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.
(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.
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