Demand from key importing markets (EU, China, Japan, South Korea ...) increased for year-end festivals. Some competing countries have difficulties in production and exporting markets. For example, Thailand stopped imports of Indian shrimp which affect not only India but Thailand. Since October 2016, India is subject to a 50% inspection of shrimp exports to the EU and the country is at risk of the EU ban on imports. Thai and Indian shrimp production is forecasted not to increase this year due to disease and adverse weather. This is considered as the factors which facilitated Vietnam’s shrimp exports this year.
Through November 2017, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to major markets have grown well except the U.S. The EU market has risen to rank the 1st while the U.S has fallen to the 4th rank. Among the main importing markets, shipments to China showed the highest growth of 60.2%.
Exports of whiteleg shrimp occupied the largest proportion of 65.4%; those of black tiger shrimp accounted for 23%, the rest was marine shrimp with 11.6%. Exports of whiteleg shrimp and marine shrimp increased while those of black tiger shrimp slightly decreased compared to the same period last year. Of that, shipments of live/fresh/frozen marine shrimp (HS code 03) showed the highest growth.
The EU
As of November 2017, the EU has raised to the 1st rank in top shrimp importers of Vietnam. Exports to this market valued at over US$780 million, up 42.4% year on year. The Netherlands was the largest importer of Vietnam shrimp in the EU. Out of the three main buyers of Vietnam shrimp in the bloc (the Netherlands, the UK and Germany), sales to the Netherlands posted the highest growth of 70.5% (US$199.7 million), followed by the UK and Germany with the rises of 54.5% and 5.9%, respectively.
Due to the high price of coldwater shrimp and a reduction in supplies, high demand for festivals at the end of the year boosted imports of Vietnam shrimp into the EU.
In 2017, Vietnam shrimp had advantage of exports to the EU. In the year, Vietnam shrimp exports to the EU are accorded GSP (generalized system of preferences) rights while Thailand and China do not have this advantage.
When the upcoming EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) comes into effect, shrimp products HS code 03061100 exporting to the EU will be subject to the tax of 0% from the current tax of 12.5%, the tax for shrimp HS code 03061710 will be 0% from the current level of 20%; that for shrimp HS code 16052110 will be also 0% from the current tax of 20% after 7 years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement; and that shrimp HS code 16052190 will be 0% from the level of 20% after 7 years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement.
The U.S
In the first 11 months of 2017, exports to the U.S reached US$609.9 million; down 7.8% over the same period in 2016. Exports to the market declined due to the higher anti-dumping tax in POR11 and the dollar depreciation from the impact of President Trump's general aim of encouraging domestic production.
China
Exports to China witnessed the highest growth among the main importing markets of Vietnam shrimp with 60.2% and eyed US$637.9 million. With this growth, China expected to overtake Japan as the second largest buyer of Vietnam shrimp in the first quarter of 2018.
Besides, favorable geographical position, good payment and stable Yuan has stimulated the demand of Chinese importers. From 1st Dec 2017, Vietnamese shrimp exporters to China had more advantages when China decided to reduce the import tax from 5% to 2% for frozen shrimp products.
Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the last month of 2017 forecasted to see the stable growth. The total shrimp export value in 2017 estimated at US$3.8 billion, an increase of 22% compared to 2016.
(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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