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) According to Vietnam Customs data, tuna exports in the first month of 2026 reached over USD 75 million, up 13% compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, exports increased in most key markets such as Japan, the EU, and Russia, while exports to the United States fell by 6%—a contrasting development amid ongoing adjustments in U.S. import tariff policies and new compliance requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect at the beginning of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
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