AsemconnectVietnam - According to Vietnam Customs data, from the beginning of the year to the end of November, shrimp exports reached US$4.3 billion, a 21% increase compared to the same period last year, continuing to play a key role as the main growth driver for the entire seafood industry.

In November alone, the export value reached US$393 million, a 14% increase.
Growth signals in key markets
The market picture for the first 11 months shows consistent growth in most major markets, although to varying degrees. China and Hong Kong remain the leading markets with US$1.2 billion, accounting for over 28% of Vietnam's total shrimp export value and increasing by 59% compared to the same period. Although the value in November reached US$108 million, down from October, it still increased by nearly 27% year-on-year, reflecting the stable demand in this market for live, fresh, and frozen shrimp products.
The CPTPP bloc continued to be a positive growth area, reaching US$1.2 billion in 11 months, up by 32%. Within this market group, Japan maintained its important position with a value of US$535 million, up by 13%, and notably, saw an increase in processed shrimp products for the retail channel. Australia, the UK, and Canada also maintained stable growth, contributing to strengthening the prospects of the CPTPP region during a period of significant volatility in the US and EU markets.
The country’s shrimp exports to the U.S market reached US$754 million, up by 7% in 11 months, although November only brought in US$52 million, down by 7% due to the impact of US trade protection measures. Exports slowed in the last months of the year as a result of businesses accelerating shipments in August and September after the US announced high preliminary anti-dumping duties (POR19). Nevertheless, demand remains positive, especially for value-added products, which is a strength of Vietnam.
The EU market also recorded a significant recovery. Export value in the first 11 months reached US$540 million, an increase of 21%, with strong growth in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The import demand in this region was driven by shortages of tiger shrimp from India and Indonesia at certain times, as well as a shift towards sustainably certified processed products.
Whiteleg shrimp exports showed stable growth.
In the first 11 months of the year, whiteleg shrimp still dominated with US$2.8 billion, equivalent to 64.8% of total export value. Processed products achieved good growth thanks to demand from Japan, the EU, and Australia. Black tiger shrimp exports reached US$426 million, a 4% increase, mainly due to stable contributions from Asian markets and partly from the EU, but still facing significant competitive pressure from cheaper sources.
The most notable highlight of 2025 is the breakthrough growth of other shrimp products, reaching over US$1 billion, a 74% increase. This is a direct result of the boom in lobster exports to China, especially the live and premium lobster segments. The change in product structure shows the industry's rapid adaptability to market demand, while also increasing the average export value for the year.
China was the growth driver but challenges are still available
China continued to be the fastest-growing market for Vietnamese shrimp in 2025. Not only leading in export value, this market also particularly favors live, fresh products, mainly lobster, with export value recording triple-digit growth. Processed whiteleg shrimp also saw a sharp increase, reflecting a shift in consumer spending in major cities.
However, the competition in this market is rapidly increasing. Ecuador and India maintain an advantage in the low-price segment, while Thailand and Vietnam compete directly in the high-end and processed segments. Vietnam has the advantage of its geographical proximity, which helps shorten delivery times and allows for flexibility in response to fluctuating demand. Nevertheless, the constant changes in China's customs policies, traceability, and border control require businesses to raise their management standards and improve compliance.
China is considered a crucial growth engine but also one with significant volatility. In the fourth quarter of 2025 and early 2026, the demand in China is expected to remain high due to the festive season and Lunar New Year, but the pace may slow down after the peak.
US: tariff pressure and cautious outlook for 2026
The US market faces the most challenges in 2025, simultaneously impacted by high preliminary POR19 anti-dumping duties and retaliatory duties under the new trade policy. Increased compliance costs have driven up the price of Vietnamese whiteleg shrimp exported to the US in the third quarter to $12.8–14.1/kg, while black tiger shrimp prices rose to $17.9–20.4/kg. This created significant competitive pressure compared to Ecuador and South Asian suppliers.
Export activities to the US in the second half of the year are more defensive, with businesses rushing to deliver goods before the new duties are implemented. If the final POR19 results remain unchanged, shrimp exports to the US in the first quarter of 2026 could decline significantly.
With export results exceeding US$4.3 billion in the first 11 months, Vietnam's shrimp exports are expected to reach US$4.5–4.6 billion in 2025, the highest level ever. This high growth rate reflects the processing capacity, product diversification capabilities, and flexibility of businesses in the context of volatile global trade.
Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook becomes more cautious. Tariff pressures in the US, competition in China, and high domestic production costs remain key factors influencing export activities in the first quarter of 2026. However, if businesses continue to expand their markets within the CPTPP, EU, and the Middle East, while optimizing value-added products, shrimp exports still have the opportunity to maintain growth in 2026.
CK
Source: VITIC/vasep.com.vn