The top 5 main shrimp import markets of Vietnam, including the US, Japan, EU, China, and South Korea, recorded growth of 15%-91% in the first 4 months of this year.
Shrimp exports remained stable growth in the first 4 months of this year thanks to high market demand and good export prices.
Demand in the markets recovered after the most stressful period of the COVID-19 epidemic, the supply in markets was insufficient, and price inflation increased. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has contributed to disrupting the global supply of seafood including shrimp.
In this context, Vietnamese shrimp exporters have planned production, taking advantage of opportunities from the market.
According to some businesses, the demand, as well as the interest of international customers for Vietnamese shrimp at the present time, has also increased markedly, reflected in international seafood fairs such as the the North American Seafood Show in March 2022 and the Global Seafood Expo e at the end of April 2022.
The US is the single market that imports the most shrimp from Vietnam, accounting for 16%. In the first 4 months of the year, Vietnam shrimp exports to the US reached over US$291 million, up 47% over the same period.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US grew well in the first four months of the year. This market needs food supplies for the summer and the fall.
Shrimp is the most consumed seafood product in the United States because of its ease of preparation at home and popularity in the foodservice sector. The average American shrimp consumption is about 5 pounds per person in 2020.
However, high inflation in the US and large inventories after importing large quantities in the first months of the year, may cause US shrimp imports in April and May to slow down.
In March 2022, the US imported 76,626 tons of shrimp, worth over USD 729 million, up 22% in volume and 39% in value compared to March 2021. The average price of shrimp imports into the US in March 2022 reached $9.52/kg, up from $8.36/kg in March 2021.
China is Vietnam's fourth-largest shrimp import market. In April, shrimp exports to China increased sharply by 128% to USD 81 million. Accumulated in the first 4 months of the year, shrimp export turnover to this market reached more than USD 187 million, up 91% over the same period.
COVID-19 broke out strongly in China and the "zero COVID" policy caused shrimp exports to this market to encounter many bottlenecks. However, because many factories in China were closed, production was stalled, so this market also lacked shrimp supply for domestic consumption and export processing.
Therefore, Vietnam's shrimp exports to this market recorded growth despite the above challenges. It is expected that shrimp exports to China in the following months will continue to grow strongly.
Although the export results were quite good, the unusual weather affected the supply of raw shrimp and input costs such as gasoline and production materials, and shrimp seed price continued to increase, which eroded the profits of the business. In the second quarter of this year, shrimp export turnover is forecasted to continue to increase by about 12% over the same period in 2021, reaching USD 1.2 billion.
Compiled by Minh Trang
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(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.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(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?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(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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