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) 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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