Whiteleg shrimp and black tiger shrimp exports recorded double-digit growth, while the export value of other types of shrimp increased by three digits. Fresh or frozen shrimp products grew stronger than processed shrimp products.
Among the main import markets, Vietnamese shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong recorded the strongest growth of 275%, reaching 42 million USD in January 2024. Thanks to strong growth, China and Hong Kong were Vietnam's largest shrimp import markets in January 2024, accounting for 17.5%. Shrimp exports from Ecuador (the main competitor of Vietnamese shrimp in the Chinese market) this year are not expected to go smoothly due to insecurity in the shrimp industry and the general difficulties of the global shrimp industry. Along with the great demand from China and the country's import priority policy, this can be considered an opportunity for Vietnamese shrimp exports to China in 2024.
In January 2024, shrimp exports to the US continued the growth momentum from the last months of 2023, increasing by 77% to reach 41 million USD. Shrimp exports to the US in 2024 are somewhat affected by the US anti-subsidy investigation into shrimp from four countries, including Vietnam.
In the US market, Vietnam accounts for 10% of the market share, ranking 4th after India (36%), Ecuador (22%), and Indonesia (18%). In 2023, peeled raw shrimp were imported the most into the US, recording slight growth; breaded shrimp and steamed shrimp recorded a decrease.
Shrimp exports to Japan and Korea in the first month of this year grew by 30% and 21%, reaching 37 million USD and 23 million USD, respectively.
After continuously declining in 2023, shrimp exports to the EU increased 22%, reaching 30 million USD in the first month of this year.
After the growth numbers in the first month of the year, looking at the general picture of the market and the shrimp industry in 2024, most businesses see many challenges and difficulties that slow down the ability to recover production and export.
Some shrimp businesses said that orders at the beginning of the year have not shown signs of improvement because the market's purchasing power is still weak. There are still problems, such as high inventory, low purchasing prices, difficulty competing with Indian and Ecuadorian shrimp, etc.
Some businesses see more positive signs in terms of orders but are worried about raw material sources because of the off-season and epidemics, so shrimp output is low.
Concerns about the risk of anti-subsidy tariffs are also a barrier for US importers and Vietnamese export companies. The selling price of Vietnamese shrimp is still quite high compared to other countries, causing fear among importers.
Vietnamese shrimp continue to face competition with Ecuador and India products in terms of price and supply; the oversupply situation and price reduction cycle may continue until at least the first half of 2024.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In global seafood trade, sensory evaluation is increasingly becoming one of the key “technical barriers” in many importing markets-especially the United States. Issues such as filth, and signs of decomposition/spoilage are often detected through sensory evaluation methods and remain common reasons for seafood import alerts, detentions, or shipment rejections.
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.
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