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) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Quang Ngai Province, shrimp farming costs are rising sharply due to लगातार increases in feed, fuel, and input material prices, while farm-gate shrimp prices are declining. This has significantly reduced farmers’ profit margins and increased production risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports are experiencing impressive growth, reflecting expanding global demand as well as the sector’s development potential. However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production capacity and supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the coming period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East in 2025 and early 2026 have shown notable growth. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region have increasingly impacted export activities since March. This situation presents a challenge of balancing market expansion opportunities with rising trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities to base their stocking schedules on actual conditions in each farming area, while developing plans, allocating resources, and implementing synchronized measures for disease prevention and disaster risk management in aquaculture production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi exceeded USD 45 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for this product segment amid recovering demand in many markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the week from April 4th to 10th, 2026, Quang Ngai province intensified its monitoring and law enforcement activities with the determination to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Thanh Hoa’s shrimp sector is undergoing a strong transformation by accelerating the adoption of high technology, helping to improve productivity, increase profits, and meet market demands. The province currently has about 4,100 hectares of shrimp farming, with output continuing to rise despite stable farming area, mainly due to the shift from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive farming.
(vasep.com.vn) Amid ongoing volatility in global seafood trade, Vietnam’s crab exports have made a fairly positive start to 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover in the first two months of 2026 reached nearly USD 55 million, up 24% compared to the same period in 2025 and more than 2.2 times higher than in the same period of 2024. This indicates that crab exports are entering 2026 with stronger growth momentum, particularly in Asian markets.
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