This decline continued until August 2018, with a dip in the export value of nearly 14% over the same period last year. Due to the decline in the recent months, total shrimp exports of the country in the first eight months of this year reached US$2.3 billion, down 2.3% over the same period last year.
Shrimp supply from the main producers in the world remained high so the world price of shrimp did not increase, even low prices from some countries impacted importing markets. As a result, Vietnamese shrimp was also influenced by major consuming markets such as the U.S, the EU, Japan and China. It was predicted that in September new contracts would increase, especially when importers prepare for the year-end market.
Whiteleg shrimp remained to take the main share of Vietnam’s shrimp export products, accounting for 68%; followed by black tiger shrimp with 23% and marine shrimp with 9%. Compared with the first eight months of 2017, the proportion of whiteleg shrimp increased while the proportion of black tiger shrimp decreased.
In the first eight months of 2018, the value of whiteleg shrimp exports increased by 4%, while that of black tiger shrimp was down 8% and that of marine shrimp fell by 25% compared to the same period last year.
For whiteleg shrimp, the export value of processed whiteleg shrimp (HS code 16) increased by 12% while live/fresh/frozen whiteleg shrimp (HS code 03) decreased by 3%. For black tiger shrimp, the export value of processed black tiger shrimp (HS code 16) decreased by 20% and live/fresh/frozen black tiger shrimp (HS code 03) dropped by 6%.
The U.S
The U.S held as the third largest shrimp importing market of Vietnam, accounting for 17.2% of Vietnam’s total shrimp exports to markets. After the continuous reduction in shrimp exports to the U.S from April to July this year, exports to this market has recovered with the 14.5% growth to touch US$81.6 million in August this year. In the first eight months of this year, shrimp exports to the U.S reached US$393.4 million, down 5.4% over the same period in 2017.
Recently, the U.S Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the final results of anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese shrimp during the 12th administrative review period - POR12 (from 1st February 2016- 1st January 2017). Specifically, the tax rate in this phase for shrimp imported from Vietnam is 4.58%, 5 times lower than expected. Thus, the final tax rate of 4.58% was much lower than the 25.39% in the preliminary result informed by the DOC on 8th March. This result is also better than the final POR11 tariff.
Vietnamese businesses are stepping up their purchasing of raw materials and signing contracts to export shrimp to the U.S. From the optimistic signal, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to this market expected to hit more than US$615 million in 2018.
The U.S is one of the major importing markets of Vietnamese shrimp with a turnover of over US$600 million a year. Therefore, the imposition of anti-dumping tax is now one of favorable conditions for Vietnamese shrimp in this market.
The EU
In August 2018, shrimp exports to the EU market decreased by 13.3% to hit US$89.3 million. The figure in the first eight months of this year was US$569.2 million, up 17.7% over the same period in 2017. Demand for Vietnamese shrimp in the EU remained good while some big competitors of Vietnam in the EU faced difficulties, so exports of Vietnamese shrimp to the EU maintained a positive growth rate in the first eight months of this year. Thailand lost its preferential tariff in the EU market, so Vietnamese shrimp had the advantage over Thai shrimp in terms of the average price of about 10%. India faced the strict EU product quality control rules. Vietnamese shrimp exports to EU expected to maintain a positive growth momentum throughout the year.
(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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