Japan still maintains the second largest shrimp importer of Vietnam in the first half of this year. Thanks to the advantages from the Trade Agreements between Vietnam and Japan, Vietnamese shrimp exports to Japan in the first 7 months of this year did not fall sharply like other major markets.
In the structure of shrimp products exported from Vietnam to Japan, whiteleg shrimp accounted for the highest rate of 58.1%, black tiger shrimp made up for 22.4% and marine shrimp accounted for 19.5%. Among white shrimp products exported to Japan, live /fresh/frozen whiteleg shrimp proportion are higher than processed whiteleg shrimp. In the first 7 months of this year, Vietnamese live/fresh/ frozen whiteleg shrimp exports to Japan fell by more than 10% while exports of processed whiteleg shrimp rose slightly by 2% over the same period in 2018.
Some Vietnamese shrimp products that are popular in Japan include Nobashi, sushi, Tempura breaded shrimp; Frozen FD whiteleg shrimp, frozen peeled whiteleg shrimp (head off, tail on)...
According to ITC, in the first half of this year, Japnanese shrimp imports reached more than US $ 1 billion, down 6.6% over the same period in 2018. Vietnam was still the largest shrimp supplier for Japan, accounting for 26% of the total value. Followed by Thailand, Indonesia and India, accounting for 19%, 17% and 10% respectively. In the first half of 2019, Japanese shrimp imports from the top 5 major suppliers all decreased compared to the same period in 2018.
Frozen raw shrimp (HS code 030617) was the highest proportion of total shrimp structure imported into Japan, accounting for over 60%. In terms of import tax applied for shrimp, Vietnam and other major suppliers for Japan (Indonesia, India, Thailand) are enjoyed to the tax rate of 0%. In terms of price, Vietnamese shrimp has the highest prices among other suppliers with over US$11/kg in the first half of this year. The price of Indonesian shrimp exported to Japan was US$11/kg, the price of Thai and India shrimp was US$9.5/kg and US$9/kg respectively.
The ASEAN-Japan Free Trade Agreement (AJCEP) came into force on December 1, 2008 and the Vietnam-Japan Bilateral Free Trade Agreement (VJEPA) came into force on October 1, 2009 has helped to create favorable conditions in terms of preferential tariff for Vietnamese seafood exports to Japan.
In addition to Vietnam - Japan and ASEAN - Japan FTAs, the CPTPP Agreement, which came into effect in January 2019, shall also help Vietnamese shrimp to boost their advantages in this market. According to Japanese commitments in CPTPP, most of Vietnamese seafood products including frozen shrimp (HS code 030617) and processed shrimp (HS 160521) are enjoyed to 0% tax rate right after the agreement took effect.
The development of Japanese ready-to-eat food business was good, so processed shrimp products with high usability will grow well in the Japanese market.
(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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