In terms of product structure, the "other shrimp" category (including lobster, mantis shrimp, etc.) dominated the share and recorded triple-digit growth, particularly for live, fresh and frozen products. This clearly reflects strong consumer demand for premium products such as live lobster. Exports of black tiger shrimp to China also saw double-digit growth, while whiteleg shrimp recorded a decline. However, processed whiteleg shrimp products experienced growth, indicating a gradual shift in consumer preferences toward convenient, ready-to-eat products.
Among enterprises exporting shrimp to China, Phat Loi Trading - Service - Production Co., Ltd. continues to lead, accounting for 19% of the total export value to China, maintaining its No.1 position since 2024.
Recovery in China's frozen warm-water shrimp imports
According to Chinese Customs data, China imported 519,000 tons of frozen warm-water shrimp in the first seven months of 2025, down 2% compared to the same period in 2024. However, the import value rose by 7% to $2.73 billion, driven by a 9% increase in the average price to $5.25/kg. In July alone, import volume surged to over 90,000 tons - the highest since early 2024 - signaling a partial recovery in demand after a sluggish period.
Ecuador continues to dominate, supplying 75% of China’s shrimp imports, equivalent to nearly 389,000 tons in the first seven months. In contrast, India saw a 7% decline, dropping to 76,000 tons, while smaller suppliers like Myanmar, Argentina and Thailand recorded robust growth.
However, the sharp increase in imports in July led to high inventory levels, coupled with weakened demand in the food service sector, causing shrimp import prices in China to continuously decline in August. This indicates a short-term risk of market saturation, particularly in the mainstream shrimp segment.
Ecuador dominates, India loses ground – Vietnam targets niche markets
In the Chinese market, Ecuador currently holds a significant advantage due to its abundant supply, competitive pricing, and products tailored to consumer preferences, particularly in the frozen head-on shrimp segment. India, the second-largest supplier, is gradually losing market share due to challenges in quality control and cost management, while also facing supply fragmentation as it serves multiple markets simultaneously.
In this context, Vietnamese shrimp has emerged as a complementary option in the premium segment. While Ecuador and India dominate in price and volume, Vietnam is favored for high-quality products such as large-sized black tiger shrimp, live lobster and value-added processed shrimp. This advantage allows Vietnamese shrimp to avoid direct competition with Ecuador in the mainstream segment and opens opportunities to tap into China’s increasingly pronounced demand for premium seafood.
Future directions for Vietnamese enterprises
In the short term, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China are expected to continue growing, especially during major holidays such as Mid-Autumn Festival, New Year and Lunar New Year, when demand for gifts and seafood consumption surges. Live lobster, large-sized black tiger shrimp and deeply processed whiteleg shrimp will remain the main drivers.
In the medium term, the growing domestic aquaculture production in China will put pressure on imports, while competition from Ecuador and India remains intense. In this context, Vietnamese enterprises need to stay committed to a strategy focused on quality, product diversification and targeting the premium segment. Additionally, strict compliance with regulations on quarantine, traceability and packaging is crucial to ensuring a sustainable presence in this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 498 million in October 2025, up 26% from the same period last year. This is one of the highest monthly revenues since the beginning of the year, reflecting solid demand in major markets and faster shipment schedules by exporters. From January to October, shrimp export value reached USD 3.9 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2025, the US Court of International Trade (CIT) officially issued an order to suspend the case filed by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and several US seafood companies against the US Government concerning the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang’s fisheries sector has maintained stable growth momentum during the first nine months of 2025, making an important contribution to the province’s socio-economic development. Despite facing numerous challenges, the province is implementing various measures to enhance production efficiency, expand markets, and promote sustainable fisheries development toward deeper integration into the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value in September 2025 reached USD 181 million, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. The overall trend for the pangasius industry remains positive, with total exports in the first nine months of 2025 reaching nearly USD 1.6 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
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