Vietnam shrimp exports opening 2024 with an increase of 71%

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.