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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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