In the first half of 2018, Vietnam shrimp export to Korea grew positively in all months. During the second half of the year, Vietnam shrimp exports to Korea decreased. Shrimp prices on world and domestic markets fell, while world supply of shrimp rose, affecting the export of Vietnam shrimp to Korea in the second half of 2018.
In 2018, in the structure of Vietnam's shrimp products exported to Korea, whiteleg shrimp accounted for the largest proportion at 85.5% whereas, the proportion of black tiger shrimp accounted for only 6.2%. In particular, live/ fresh/ frozen whiteleg shrimp (HS03 code) accounted for the highest value of all Vietnamese shrimp products exported to Korea. The export price of peeled and tail-on whiteleg shrimp with sizes such as 21/15, 51/70, 71/90, 91/110, 100/200 ranging from US$7.2-9.5 /kg.
According to ITC statistics, in 2018, importing shrimp to this market reached nearly US$ 650.8 million, up 7.2% compared to 2017.
Vietnam was the largest supplier of shrimp to Korea accounting for an overwhelming 58% market share while other competitors such as Thailand accounts for 11.2%, Ecuador acounts for 10.5%, and China accounted for 4.8%. Among the largest shrimp supplies to Korea, shrimp imports from Vietnam and Ecuador progressed while imports from Thailand and China dropped compared to 2017.
In the Korean market, Vietnam must compete on shrimp price with China, India and Ecuador . However, Vietnam was subject to the lowest import tax (10%) compared to other rival suppliers such as China (20%), India (12.5%), Ecuador (20%) and Thailand (10%). ).
It is expected that Vietnam will export about US$500 million to Korea in 2019, a progress of 29.5% compared to 2018.
(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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