Vietnam’s shrimp industry has enjoyed a robust growth of 22% in export value year-on-year, reaching over US$3.4 billion in the first three quarters of 2025. This significant surge is the most considerable for this period within the last three years.
The notable increase in shrimp exports can be attributed to recovering demands from various markets, including China, the U.S, the EU, and the nations under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Furthermore, the ability of Vietnamese businesses to adapt to the flux of the market has also played a key role in this growth.
The exports to China and Hong Kong alone contributed $966 million, a 65% increase from the previous year, accounting for almost 30% of the total export value.
Even though there’s been a substantial growth, a surge in inventories in these markets might result in a slowdown in imports during the last quarter of this year and the beginning of 2026.
Despite potential anti-dumping tariffs, the U.S market has also seen a growth of 4% in shrimp exports, amounting to $587 million. In a bid to diversify and mitigate risks, many businesses are steering their focus towards the EU and other Asian markets. The EU alone had a total export value of $434 million, marking an increase of 21%.
The CPTPP bloc accounted for almost $941 million in shrimp exports, up by 34%. Within the bloc, Japan topped the chart with a total import of $426 million, due to its steady demand for convenient and sustainably processed products.
Exports to other Asian markets such as South Korea and Taiwan experienced significant growth as well. However, exports to Canada and Russia have shown signs of stagnation.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers predicts a slight downturn in shrimp exports in the final quarter due to potential hurdles in shipments to the U.S. On a positive note, stricter controls on Indonesian exports and Ecuador’s priority on China might decrease competition in other markets, paving the way for Vietnamese shrimp in the EU, Japan, and South Korea.
The association expressed optimism for exports to the EU throughout the festive season and into 2026. The industry could further expand its market share by adjusting promptly to market trends and enhancing the national seafood brand.
Despite the potential slowdown due to abundant global supply and cooling prices, Vietnam’s advantages under the EVFTA, coupled with its strong processing capacity and export experience, are expected to maintain the momentum.
What factors contributed to the growth in Vietnam’s shrimp exports?
The recovery of demand from China, the U.S., the EU, and CPTPP nations, along with the adaptability of Vietnamese businesses to changing market conditions, were key to the growth of shrimp exports.
What challenges does the shrimp industry potentially face in the coming months?
The surge in inventories could lead to a slowdown in imports in the last quarter of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. In addition, potential anti-dumping tariffs in the U.S. might pose a hurdle to the industry.
What strategies are Vietnamese businesses employing to maintain momentum in the shrimp industry?
To mitigate risks, businesses are diversifying their focus towards the EU and other Asian markets. They are also adapting swiftly to market trends and strengthening the national seafood brand to expand their market share.
