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) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording sharp increases compared to the same period last year. In February alone, export value reached USD 8.4 million, up 148% year-on-year. Cumulatively, in the first two months of 2026, total tilapia export turnover hit USD 23 million, soaring 242% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In global seafood trade, sensory evaluation is increasingly becoming one of the key “technical barriers” in many importing markets-especially the United States. Issues such as filth, and signs of decomposition/spoilage are often detected through sensory evaluation methods and remain common reasons for seafood import alerts, detentions, or shipment rejections.
Shrimp has been the most important export product of Vietnam’s seafood industry for many years, typically accounting for 35–45% of the country’s total seafood export value. With a well-developed farming, processing, and export system, Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn