According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP), in the first 9 months of 2025, shrimp exports reached over 3.4 billion USD. This is an increase of 22% compared to the same period last year, marking the strongest growth in three years.
This result not only shows a recovery signal for the industry after a difficult period but also the flexible adaptability of Vietnamese businesses to the complex fluctuations of the global market.
The 22% growth momentum compared to the same period last year mainly comes from the recovery in demand in major markets such as China, the US, the EU, and the CPTPP bloc, along with the flexible adaptability of businesses in terms of product and market structure.
Whiteleg shrimp continued to be the key product, with a value of over 2.2 billion USD, accounting for 65% of total export value. Notably, other types of shrimp increased by 91%, reaching nearly 870 million USD. This figure reflects the trend of expanding product portfolios and high demand in China, the EU, and high-income countries.
Shrimp exports recorded the strongest growth in three years.
China and Hong Kong remain the leading markets, with 966 million USD, a 65% increase compared to the same period last year. This accounts for nearly 30% of the country’s total shrimp export turnover. Import demand increased strongly in the live shrimp, lobster, and high-end product segments, but according to businesses, inventories in China are rising rapidly, signaling a potential adjustment in the fourth quarter.
The US maintained its position as the third-largest market with 587 million USD, a slight increase of 4%. Although consumer demand has improved, the industry faces significant pressure from the risk of anti-dumping duties, expected to be announced later this year.
The CPTPP bloc reached nearly 941 million USD, up 34%, with positive results in Japan, Australia, and Canada. Japan continues to lead with 426 million USD, accounting for 12% of the total turnover, thanks to stable demand for convenient, sustainable processed products.
In the EU, the turnover reached 434 million USD, an increase of 21%. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands saw strong growth ranging from 6 to 28%. The demand for ASC, organic, or low-carbon certified products is helping Vietnamese businesses expand their presence in high-end supermarket chains.
Additionally, both the South Korean and Taiwanese markets experienced double-digit growth (13% and 36%), while Russia and Canada showed a tendency to slow down.
In the domestic market, the price of raw shrimp in the Mekong Delta is stable at a high level, thanks to increased domestic and export consumption toward the end of the year, while supply decreased.
While Vietnam is experiencing impressive growth, the Indian shrimp industry is facing difficulties due to the US imposing tariffs of up to 50%, causing a sharp decline in the price of shrimp. The VASEP considers this situation an important lesson for Vietnam regarding market diversification and reducing dependence on a single country.
Vietnam needs to take advantage of free trade agreements such as EVFTA and CPTPP to expand exports to the EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Middle East.