In the first 8 months of 2022, in the top 10 main shrimp import markets of Vietnam, shrimp exports to the US and UK decreased, while exports to the remaining markets all grew positively.
Despite recording growth, by August 2022, Vietnam's shrimp exports are facing many problems in terms of raw material supply, transportation costs, high production costs while consumption demand in major markets such as the US and EU slowed down in the context of high inflation and a decline in economic growth in these countries. Vietnam shrimp exports in August 2022 still recorded a growth of more than 40% in comparison to the same period last year, (at that time many processing and exporting enterprises had to stop or reduce their operating capacity due to social distancing to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic)
In the first 8 months of 2022, in the structure of Vietnam's shrimp exports, whiteleg shrimp accounted for 75%, black tiger shrimp accounted for 14%, the rest was marine shrimp. Marine shrimp exports increased by 78% while vannamei and black tiger shrimp exports increased by 21% and 11%, respectively. In the first 8 months of this year, the export value of processed shrimp products recorded a higher growth rate than fresh/frozen shrimp products.
The US is still the largest import market of Vietnam shrimp, accounting for 20%. Vietnam shrimp exports to the US began to slow down in May and decreased continuously from June to August. In August 2022, shrimp exports to the US reached more than $68 million, down 27%. Accumulated in the first 8 months of this year, shrimp exports to the US reached more than 619 million USD, down 9% over the same period.
The US’s shrimp imports tend to decrease after a sharp increase in the first months of this year. According to data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), US shrimp imports in July 2022 reached 67,782 tons, decreasing 12% compared to June and 11.3% lower than the same period.
Inventories in the US have reached the maximum level because in the first months of the year many companies increased their imports after 2 years of being heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales in the US are also slowing down, so importers have not yet made many new orders.
Inflation in the US, fluctuating exchange rates, and high selling costs have made it difficult for Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US in recent months. Meanwhile, major competitors in the US market such as Ecuador and India have both advantages in freight rates because of their proximity and cheap shrimp.
Shrimp exports to Japan in August this year recorded a growth of 120% to over $67 million. As of August 2022, shrimp exports to this market reached $463 million, up 21% over the same period last year. Shrimp exports to Japan seem to be better than the US and EU markets due to lower freight rates. Japan prefers deeply processed products from Vietnam, which would be an advantage of Vietnam against other suppliers.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
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