Shrimp imports into the EU in 2016 inched up 2% compared to 2015 in value, but in the first 5 months of 2017, the figure downed 18.4% over the same period in 2016. This was driven by a dip in shrimp production from suppliers and a rise in prices, which made the demand for this product decrease.
In 2016, Spain was the single largest importer of shrimp in the EU, accounting for 17.7% of total shrimp imports into the EU. France and the UK respectively ranked the 2nd and the 3rd biggest ones, accounting for 13.6% and 12.9%; the Netherlands ranked the 4th with 9.3%.
In the first 5 months of 2017, shrimp imports into the EU reached over US$2 billion; down 18.4% over the same period in 2016. Out of top 4 leading buyers of shrimp into the EU, the import value of shrimp into Spain reached US$369.2 million; increased by 7.3%; those into France hit US$338.6 million; decreased by 1.4%; those into the UK touched nearly US$230 million; down 8.2% over the same period in 2016.
According to the data from Vietnam customs, in the first 8 months of 2017, the EU became the largest importer of Vietnam shrimp. Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU in the period amounted to US$483.6 million; increased by 30% over the same period of 2016.
As of August this year, shrimp shipments to top 3 biggest importing markets of Vietnam (the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium) in the EU reported the 2-digit growth of 46.5%; 47.8% and 34.1%, respectively. Vietnam’s shrimp sales to the EU currently recorded the good growth as the EU consumers prefer value-added seafood products and increase imports for year-end festivities.
On the EU market, Vietnam shrimp has to compete with the same item form India and Ecuador. While India tends to reduce shrimps exports to the EU, Ecuador and Vietnam are increasingly promoting shipment of shrimp to the market.
In the coming time, when Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) takes effect (in 2018), Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU expected to continue positive growth thanks the preferential tax rate.
|
Shrimp imports into the EU, Jan-May 2017 (Thousand US$) |
|||
|
Markets |
T1-T5/2016 |
T1-T5/2017 |
Variation (%) |
|
EU 28 |
2,473,589 |
2,017,641 |
-18.4 |
|
Spain |
344,183 |
369,214 |
7.3 |
|
France |
343,467 |
338,551 |
-1.4 |
|
UK |
326,861 |
299,978 |
-8.2 |
|
Portugal |
67,221 |
69,617 |
3.6 |
|
Ireland |
13,621 |
13,590 |
-0.2 |
|
Greek |
25,309 |
24,849 |
-1.8 |
|
Estonia |
5,207 |
5,679 |
9.1 |
|
Czech Republic |
5,462 |
4,671 |
-14.5 |
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in September 2026 are estimated at US$1.135 billion, up 11.9% year-on-year, bringing total exports in the first nine months of the year to US$9.103 billion, up 11.4%. Behind this double-digit growth, however, increasingly divergent market trends are emerging: China–Hong Kong and ASEAN posted strong growth, while the U.S., EU and Japan all recorded declines in September.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
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