In the first 6 months of this year, except for the Chinese market, Vietnam's shrimp exports to major markets and blocks such as the CPTPP, the US and the EU all increased by double digits from 14% to 36%. Japan and South Korea both reduced economic growth in addition to the impact of Covid-19, but Vietnam's shrimp exports to these markets still increased slightly by 3% to 4%. Notably, the two markets Australia and Russia, although not being big import markets, recorded impressive growth rates of 80% to 90%. China is the only main shrimp import market of Vietnam that recorded a negative growth of 20%.
Regarding export products, in the first half of this year, Vietnam's vannamei export value grew by 24% while the export value of black tiger shrimp and marine shrimp decreased by 4% and 22% respectively over the same period of last year.
CPTPP
In the first 6 months of this year, the value of shrimp exports to countries in the CPTPP agreement reached US$482.8 million, up by 14%, accounting for 28% of the total shrimp export value. In which, Japan is the largest shrimp import market with a total export value of 290.2 million USD, up by 4.3% over the same period of last year.
In 2020 and in the first quarter of this year, Vietnam's shrimp exports to Japan did not increase due to unstable economic growth in Japan, adding to the negative impact of the Covid wave, restaurants also limited operations, reducing consumer demand. By the second quarter of this year, the number of Covid cases in Japan decreased and vaccination was promoted. As a result, Vietnam's shrimp exports to Japan increased slightly. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games scheduled to take place in July in Japan may increase the demand for seafood imports including shrimp from Japan.
Notably, in the first 6 months of 2021, shrimp exports to Australia increased sharply by 81%, reaching more than 88.7 million USD. In June 2021 alone, shrimp export value to this market reached 16.9 million USD, up by 89%.
The US - EU
The US is the largest single import market for Vietnamese shrimp. The demand of US shrimp imports from Vietnam has been quite stable since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnamese shrimp in the US market is becoming more and more competitive when India (the largest supplier of shrimp in the US) faces many barriers due to the Covid epidemic.
In the first half of this year, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US reached 439.8 million USD, up by 36% over the same period of last year. In the structure of exported shrimp products, steamed and processed white shrimp accounted for nearly 47% of the value to the US with an average price of 10.15 - 11.5 USD/kg. The second largest export product is tempura breaded shrimp, accounting for 16.5% with an average export price of 10.5 - 10.7 USD/kg. Frozen vannamei shrimp (HS03061721) accounted for 15% with the export value of 9.6 to 9.8 USD/kg.
Retail sales in the US remained positive during the pandemic. The demand of US shrimp imports is still high for takeout and delivery. Demand for restaurants and food services in the US gradually recovered thanks to the rapid rate of vaccination in this country.
In the first half of this year, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU reached $255.6 million, up by 27.3% over the same period of last year. Vietnam's shrimp exports to this market this year have had better growth than last year.
In the second quarter of this year, foodservice shops in Europe began to reopen as Covid cases continued to decline and vaccinations were implemented. Summer shrimp consumption in Europe increases, shrimp stocks are at a low level, along with the Free Trade Agreement with the EU will be an opportunity for Vietnamese shrimp exporters to this market in the near future.
(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.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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