AsemconnectVietnam - 2025 marked a significant milestone for Vietnam's shrimp industry. According to Vietnamese Customs data, total shrimp exports in 2025 were estimated to reach US$4.6 billion, a 19% increase compared to 2024 – the highest level ever.

The impressive export value achieved by the shrimp industry in 2025 was a combination of several factors. One of these factors was the strong increase in lobster exports to China, businesses accelerating shipments to the US ahead of the US announcement of retaliatory tariffs, and the risk of anti-dumping duties, while major competitors in the US market such as India and Indonesia are facing difficulties with tariffs on Indian shrimp and quality issues with Indonesian shrimp. In this context, Vietnamese shrimp businesses have strived to overcome difficulties, flexibly shifting markets, maintaining quality, and promoting deep processing…
China remains top position
In 2025, China will still be Vietnam's largest shrimp import market. Exports to China reached US$1.23 billion, accounting for 26.6% of total export value and increasing by 60.8% compared to 2024. Including Hong Kong, the entire China-Hong Kong bloc brought in US$1.3 billion, equivalent to 28.3% of the market share and a 55% increase.
The Chinese market is experiencing strong consumer differentiation: the mid-range segment is under pressure due to consumers tightening their spending, while the high-end and convenient, processed product segments continue to grow well. This creates significant potential for Vietnam's strong product lines such as lobster, tiger shrimp, and premium shrimp.
Exports to the US show strong growth in the first half of the year, but potential risks remain towards the end of the year.
Vietnam's shrimp exports to the US in 2025 are projected to reach US$796 million, a 5.4% increase compared to 2024 and accounting for 17.2% of total export value. However, in December 2025 alone, export value to the US only reached US$45.2 million, a 16.4% decrease compared to the same period.
Shrimp exports to the US in 2025 will face various tariffs such as countervailing duties, anti-subsidy duties, and the risk of anti-dumping duties. Towards the end of the year, the purchasing power of US importers tends to slow down as they reduce inventory and adjust their purchasing strategies.
EU and CPTPP: A stable buffer zone amidst uncertainty.
Amidst the increasingly unpredictable US, the EU and CPTPP emerge as pillars of stability.
Exports to the EU reached US$579.8 million, an increase of 19.9%, accounting for 12.6% of total export value. Many markets saw good growth, such as Germany (+25.1%), Belgium (+22.3%), the Netherlands (+8.2%), and the UK (+6.6%). These are all markets that value quality, certification, and traceability, which is also an advantage for Vietnamese shrimp.
The CPTPP bloc reached US$1.25 billion, an increase of 28.8% and accounting for 27.3% of total export value. Japan, South Korea, and Australia continued to maintain stable import levels, providing important support for the industry amidst strong fluctuations in the US market.
Product structure
In 2025, whiteleg shrimp will still play a pivotal role with US$2.98 billion, accounting for 64.6% of total export value, an increase of 9.6%. Black tiger shrimp reached US$452.9 million, accounting for 9.8% and only increasing slightly by 1.2%. Meanwhile, other shrimp varieties increased by nearly 67%, becoming the biggest growth driver for the entire industry.
Notably, within the "other shrimp" group, live/fresh/frozen shrimp increased by 97.2%, reflecting the boom in lobster and premium product exports to China.
2026 outlook
Entering 2026, the Vietnamese shrimp industry continues to face an increasingly harsh global trade environment.
Concerns about anti-dumping duties from the US will significantly impact Vietnam's shrimp export turnover in the first months of 2026. Meanwhile, China, the EU, and the CPTPP are likely to continue to be the main drivers, although with the risk of short-term adjustments according to consumption cycles and prices.
With Ecuador and India continuing to expand production at low costs, the path for Vietnamese shrimp lies not in price competition, but in quality, traceability, deep processing, and the premium segment.
2026 will be a year of strategic challenge for businesses. The resilience of Vietnam's shrimp industry will depend on effectively leveraging stable markets, controlling risks in the US, and continuing to enhance its value in the global supply chain.
CK
Source: VITIC/vasep.com.vn