According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnamese shrimp exports reached over US$3.4 billion over the nine-month period of 2025, up 22%, marking the highest growth in the past three years.

White-leg shrimp remained the main export product, accounting for more than US$2.2 billion, or 65% of total shrimp exports, up 9% year-on-year. Processed white-leg shrimp (HS16) alone reached nearly US$1 billion, a 12% increase.

Tiger shrimp exports totaled US$343 million, rising slightly by 2% thanks to steady demand from Japan and China for large-sized and eco-friendly shrimp. Other species, including lobster and mantis shrimp, surged 91% to nearly US$870 million, reflecting expanded product offerings and strong demand in China, the EU, and high-income markets.

China and Hong Kong remained the leading market, with imports reaching US$966 million, up 65% year-on-year, representing nearly 30% of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value. The strong demand was driven by live shrimp, lobster, and high-end products. However, businesses noted that rising import inventories in China could signal adjustments in Q4.

The United States remained the third-largest market at US$587 million, a modest 4% increase. While demand improved, exporters face pressure from potential anti-dumping duties expected to be announced later this year. Consequently, Vietnamese exporters are cautious in signing long-term contracts with the US, increasing the share of orders for the EU and other Asian markets to mitigate risk.

Markets within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) hit close to US$941 million, up 34%, thanks to strong performance in Japan, Australia, and Canada. Japan led the bloc with US$426 million, accounting for 12% of total exports, reflecting stable demand for ready-to-cook and sustainability-certified products.

In the EU, shrimp exports reached US$434 million, up 21%. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands recorded notable growth of 6–28%. Rising demand for ASC-certified, organic, or low-carbon products has strengthened Vietnam’s position in premium supermarket chains.

VASEP forecasts a potential slight decline in shrimp exports in the final quarter due to challenges in the US market. However, Indonesia’s tightened exports to the US may create short-term opportunities for Vietnam.

Ecuador’s concentration of shipments to China has eased supply pressures elsewhere, supporting high Vietnamese shrimp prices in Q4. Looking ahead to 2026, competitive pressure is expected to rise as rivals adjust policies. “Maintaining competitiveness will depend on Vietnam’s ability to adopt green practices, digitize supply chains, and invest in value-added products,” VASEP said.

China emerges as top buyer of Vietnamese shrimp in first half

VOV.VN - China (including Hong Kong) became the largest importer of Vietnamese shrimp in the first half of the year, with export turnover reaching nearly US$595 million, an 81% increase year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).