In the first 2 months of 2016, shrimp exports to China hit US$64.8 million; accounting for over 17% of total exports of Vietnam; up 36.5% year on year - the strongest growth among the top 10 shrimp importers of Vietnam. Thanks to the growth, China became the second largest importer of Vietnam shrimp (after the U.S) in Jan-Feb 2016. China’s government encouraged importing raw shrimp to offset domestic shrimp production which was declining, this led to high import demand for shrimp to process and re-export.
In 2015 and Jan-Feb 2016, the proportion of Vietnam's black tiger shrimp exports to China doubled compared to whiteleg shrimp. China mainly imports live/fresh/frozen shrimp (HS 03) from Vietnam, accounting for about 95% of total shrimp exports to the market.
On Dec, 15th 2015, Vietnam National Agro Forestry Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) received the official letter No. TCO 848 from Vietnam's embassy in China. Accordingly, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China (AQSIQ) allowed 4 live tiger shrimp packaging facilities and 14 black tiger shrimp farms in Vietnam to restore live black tiger shrimp exports to China. Earlier, on Feb, 5th 2015, AQSIQ banned imports of live black tiger shrimp from Vietnam on a fear of disease. After 11 months, the ban has been removed.
Since 2016, Vietnam’s enterprises can export live black tiger shrimp back to China that contributed into the growth in shrimp sales to China in Jan-Feb 2016.
According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), shrimp imports into China in 2015 reached 102,843 MT; worth by US$754.5 million; up 31.7% in volume and 36% in value. Ecuador was the main shrimp supplier to China, accounting for 25% of the total shrimp imports of China. Vietnam ranks the 10th among top shrimp suppliers to China, accounting for 1.4%. China tends to raise shrimp imports for processing and domestic consumption, especially amid decline in shrimp production due to diseases.
Ecuador is the main competitor with Vietnam in Chinese market. In 2025, Ecuador exported 50% of total shrimp output to China. In 2016, China is expected to continue to be an important market of Ecuador shrimp.
China is still considered as a large and potential market of Vietnam shrimp in 2016 thanks to its high shrimp demand, favorable geographical distance. Vietnam enterprises should continue to build brand name of their products, ensure the sustainable development from farming, processing to meet demand of strict markets and expand new ones.
Written by Kim Thu
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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