In the third quarter of 2022, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached 1.13 billion USD, only a slight increase of 9% compared to the same period last year. In which, whiteleg shrimp exports only increased by nearly 4%, black tiger shrimp exports decreased by 7%. Particularly in September, whiteleg shrimp exports decreased by 5% over the same period, black tiger shrimp exports were down 7%. However, lobster exports in the third quarter increased more than 4 times over the same period.
In October, with a decrease of 16%, shrimp exports clearly revealed the downward trend of the import market as well as the inadequacies of shrimp enterprises in particular and the whole seafood industry in general.
Accordingly, in October 2022, shrimp exports earned only 360 million USD, the lowest level since the beginning of 2022 (except in February coincided in the Lunar New Year holiday). Accumulated to the end of October, the shrimp export industry recorded sales of over $3.7 billion, up 18% over the same period last year.
In October, the main markets all experienced a sharp decline in shrimp imports from Vietnam. Accordingly, shrimp exports to the US dropped 56% to over US$52 million, to Japan decreased by 19%, to Korea decreased by 26%, to the UK and EU countries decreased deeply by 55% - 88%. Particularly, exports to China and Hong Kong still maintained growth of 18% and 14% respectively compared to October 2021.
By the end of October, although it decreased by 19% over the same period, the US market still accounted for the largest proportion, accounting for nearly 20% of Vietnam's shrimp exports with a turnover of 727 million USD, equivalent to about 63 thousand tons of shrimp.
According to statistics of the US Department of Agriculture, in the first 9 months of this year, this market imported about 646.5 thousand tons of shrimp from 40 countries, worth over 6 billion USD. Import volume was similar to the same period last year, but value increased by 9%. The reason is that the average import price increased by 8.4% to 9.41 USD/kg.
Vietnam is the fourth largest shrimp supplier in the US market, accounting for 9% in volume and 11% in value. The average price of Vietnamese shrimp imports into the US was 9% higher than the same period last year, from 10.59 USD to 11.54 USD/kg.
India, Indonesia and Ecuador still hold the dominant market share with 35%, 20% and 19% in value. The average price of shrimp imports from these three countries into the US reached $9.25, $9.63 and $7.67/kg, respectively, also increasing by 7-10% over the same period last year.
Besides the US, shrimp exports to Italy by the end of October also decreased by 18%, to the UK by 6%. Economic and political instability and the upward trend in commodity prices, especially energy prices, have had a heavy impact on the Italian and British markets this year, causing imports of most goods to decrease.
However, shrimp exports to other markets by the end of October still maintained a positive growth, of which to China increased by 70%, to Australia by 50%, to Canada by 38%, to South Korea by 31%.
Vietnam shrimp exports in the last 2 months of 2022 are hard to keep the same growth as in previous months even though the upcoming end year holidays. The demand in the market is decreasing, the source of raw materials facing difficulties and production cost is increasing while enterprises and farmer are lacking of capital to rotate investment in production - processing for export
Compiled by Thuy Linh
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(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
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(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
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