In 2025, China spent up to 1.23 billion USD importing shrimp from Vietnam. This was an increase of over 60% compared to 2024, making it the biggest driver of Vietnam’s seafood export growth.
According to the Customs, the total export value of shrimp in 2025 was 4.6 billion USD, an increase of 19% compared to 2024 and the highest ever. The impressive export turnover achieved by the shrimp industry in 2025 is a combination of many factors. Some of them were the strong increase in lobster exports to China or businesses increasing deliveries to the US before the retaliatory tariffs were announced.
In 2025, China remained Vietnam’s largest shrimp import market, with a value of 1.23 billion USD. This result accounted for 26.6% of total exports and a significant increase of 60.8% compared to 2024.
China was Vietnam’s largest shrimp import market in 2025.
Notably, the Chinese market is currently showing clear differentiation in consumer behavior. The mid-range segment is under pressure as consumers tighten their spending, but the premium segment and convenient, processed products are growing well. This is the opportunity for Vietnam’s key product lines, such as lobster, tiger shrimp, and high-end shrimp products.
In 2025, shrimp exports to the US reached 796 million USD, an increase of 5.4% and accounting for 17.2% of total export value. In December 2025 alone, export turnover to the US was only 45.2 million USD, a decrease of 16.4% compared to the same period. Shrimp exports to the US must face tariffs such as countervailing duties, anti-subsidy duties, and the risk of anti-dumping duties by 2025. In the final months of the year, the purchasing power of American importers tends to slow down as they reduce inventory and adjust their purchasing strategies.
Shrimp exports to the EU were 579.8 million USD, an increase of 19.9%, accounting for 12.6% of total turnover. The CPTPP bloc reached 1.25 billion USD, an increase of 28.8% and accounting for 27.3% of the total turnover. Japan, South Korea, and Australia continued to maintain stable imports, supporting the industry amidst strong fluctuations in the US.
Regarding product structure, white-leg shrimp remains the lead with 2.98 billion USD, accounting for 64.6% of the total value. Exports of black tiger shrimp reached 452.9 million USD, while the “other shrimp” group increased by nearly 67%, becoming the largest growth driver. Specifically, live, fresh, and frozen shrimp increased by up to 97.2%, clearly reflecting the boom in lobster and high-end product exports to China.
Entering 2026, the Vietnamese shrimp industry continues to face an increasingly strict global trade environment. Anti-dumping duties are forecast to significantly impact export turnover in the early months of the year. Meanwhile, China, the EU, and the CPTPP are likely to remain the main drivers, but there are potential short-term risks due to consumer spending and price fluctuations.