The US is the second-largest importer for Vietnamese shrimp imports. In March 2020, Vietnamese shrimp exports to the US reached US$ 41.3 million, up 11.5% over the same period in 2019. Accumulate in the first 3 months of 2020, Vietnamese shrimp exports to this market reached US$115.5 million, up 18.2% compared to the same period in 2019. This was the best growth among the top 5 main shrimp importers of Vietnam.
The Covid-19 epidemic spread widely in the US starting in March 2020, causing the import of goods including shrimp into this market to be delayed. Import demand also dropped due to a sharp decline in consumption in the Food Service segment as the US Government imposed disease control measures. However, the demand for shrimp in the retail segment has increased to meet the essential needs of consumer. Enterprises exports to this market should focus on deep-processing, value-added products such as EZ easy-to-peel shrimps ... to conform to the demand of this segment.
India - the largest shrimp supplier to the US, which is also a major competitor of Vietnamese shrimp in the US market, which is facing many difficulties due to Covid-19 epidemic. A blockade to curb the outbreak of Covid in India, which began on March 23 and will last until May 3, had negatively affected the country's production as March was the peak month for stocking of the summer season. Shrimp farmers in India have difficulty in supplying and transporting shrimp seeds while the output is leveled off, there is no shrimp caregiver because of the blockade, the price of raw shrimp has dropped deeply. Due to the shutdown, some Indian processing plants are only able to operate 50% of the number of workers. Therefore, India shrimp exports to the US in March 2020 devastated.
Accounting for 21% of total shrimp export value of Vietnam, Japan rose to be the largest shrimp importer of Vietnam in the first quarter of 2020 thanks to the strong growth of shrimp imports from Vietnam in February 2020 with a growth rate of 63% compared to the same period in 2019. In the first quarter of 2020, Vietnam's shrimp exports to Japan reached nearly 132 million USD, up 8.4% compared to the first quarter of 2019.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU, South Korea and China in March 2020 declined by 16%, 6.3% and 6.4% respectively, compared to March 2019 due to the impact of the Covid-19.epidemic.
The situation of the pandemic is not yet known as to how long it will last. However, shrimp is in the essential food group at a reasonable price, so the demand will be improved in the domestic and international market in the time to come.
The anti-epidemic situation of Covid-19 in China and South Korea is getting better and there will be more hope for farmers and processing plants. When major producing countries such as India and Ecuador are facing difficulties in production due to pandemics and weather, Vietnam needs to ensure the supply of raw materials and production to catch up when the epidemic is under control. The main shrimp importers are implementing stimulus packages ... the demand for shrimp will increase and it is expected that the price will increase.
(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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