Vietnam shrimp exports tend to decrease compared to the same period last year due to lower shrimp prices and import demand from major markets. Domestic shrimp prices in the first months of 2018 were affected by world market factors due to the cold weather, snowstorms in countries like the US and Canada; which made the consumption of shrimps decrease significantly, leading to high inventories in Japan, South Korea and EU.
Whiteleg shrimp still occupied a key position in the structure of total shrimp products exports of Vietnam, accounting for 68.7%, followed by black tiger shrimp at 22.9% and marine shrimp at 8.3%.
In the first 10 months of 2018, the value of whiteleg shrimp exports decreased by 1%, while the export of black tiger shrimp decreased by 7% and that of marine shrimp decreased by 32% compared to the same period last year.
In the structure of whiteleg shrimp and tiger shrimp exports, only processed whiteleg shrimp processed (HS code 16) increased by 7%, while other products fell.
In October this year, Vietnam shrimp exports to major markets fell sharply such as EU (-30.6%), China (-38%), Korea (-18.4%), Japan (- 5%). However, exports to the US increased slightly by 0.8%. Notably, shrimp export to ASEAN increased remarkably by 55% compared to the same period last year.
EU
The EU is Vietnam's largest shrimp import market, accounting for 24.4% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports. In the first two quarters of this year, Vietnam shrimp exports to EU increased strongly in the context of falling shrimp exports to other major markets like the US, China and Japan. However, as in the third quarter of this year, exporting shrimp to this market began to decline. In October this year, shrimp exports to the EU fell sharply by 30.6%, similar to the continuous decrease in three major markets.
However, thanks to good growth in the first 2 quarters, Vietnam shrimp exports to EU market by October this year still increased slightly by 4.4%, reaching US$724.7 million
The UK, the Netherlands and Germany are the three largest import markets for Vietnamese shrimp in the EU. In the first ten months of this year, shrimp exports to England and Germany increased by 19% and 16% respectively, while exports to the Netherlands fell by 1.4%.
The US
The US is the second largest shrimp import market of Vietnam, accounting for 18.2% of Vietnam's total shrimp export value. After the continuous fall from April to July this year, shrimp exports to this market has recovered positive growth in August, September and October. Vietnam shrimp exports to the US in the first 10 months of this year reached US$540.4 million, down by 2.7% compared to the same period in 2017.
The end result of the anti-dumping tax on Vietnamese shrimp during the 12th administrative review period - POR12 (February 1, 2016 - January 31, 2017) is much more positive than previous reviews. This has helped Vietnamese shrimp enterprises feel secure in boosting sales to the US market in the upcoming time, especially the period of good purchasing focus from US importers for the year-end holidays.
In addition, the US-China trade war is also an opportunity for Vietnamese shrimp exporting enterprises to boost export to this market because of high tariffs imposed by China on Chinese goods.
Shrimp prices have started to recover, demand tends to increase at the end of the year, furthermore, exports to the US market has positive signs thanks to the lower shrimp anti dumping duty.
(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.
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