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
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
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