Vietnam shrimp export posted strong growth in the first half of 2026, driven by robust demand from China and a sharp increase in lobster exports. However, the industry continues to face mounting challenges, including US trade measures, higher logistics costs, and intensifying competition in the global shrimp market.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp export earnings reached USD 458 million in June 2026, up 24% from the same month last year. During the first six months of the year, total shrimp exports climbed to USD 2.35 billion, marking a 14.2% year-on-year increase.
Shrimp remained Vietnam’s largest seafood export category during the period, accounting for 40.7% of the country’s total seafood export value.
China continues to drive growth
Mainland China and Hong Kong remained the fastest-growing markets for Vietnamese shrimp.
Combined exports to the two markets reached USD 845 million during January-June, representing a 44% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The two destinations accounted for 36% of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value.
Several other key markets also recorded positive growth. Shrimp exports to Japan reached USD 271 million, while exports to South Korea totalled USD 169 million and Australia imported shrimp worth USD 126 million during the six-month period.
Exports to the European Union (EU) increased by around 2%, indicating a gradual recovery in consumer demand across the bloc.
US market remains challenging
Although exports to the United States improved in June, the overall performance for the first half of the year remained weak.
Vietnam exported USD 62 million worth of shrimp to the US in June, up 32% year-on-year. However, cumulative exports to the market declined 15% during January-June to USD 290 million.
According to VASEP, Vietnamese exporters continue to face pressure from US anti-dumping and countervailing duties, increasingly strict traceability requirements, and strong competition from other major shrimp-producing countries.
The association also identified rising logistics costs as another major challenge affecting production, processing, and export operations.
Global competition intensifies
Competition in the international shrimp market is becoming increasingly intense as major exporting countries follow different growth trajectories.
During the first five months of 2026, Ecuador strengthened its position as the world’s leading shrimp exporter, shipping 668,763 tonnes valued at USD 3.52 billion. This represented a 13% increase in export volume and a 12% rise in export value, supported by large-scale production and competitive pricing.
In contrast, Indonesia exported 78,341 tonnes of shrimp worth USD 696 million, with export volume falling 16% and export value declining 9% despite a 53% increase in shipments to China.
Thailand also reported weaker performance, exporting 46,201 tonnes of shrimp during the period, with export volume declining 6.5% and export value falling 10.4%.
Focus on value addition and innovation
Industry experts say Vietnam must continue strengthening its competitiveness by expanding value-added shrimp processing, improving product quality, lowering production costs, and diversifying export markets.
They also called for greater investment in research and development, particularly in high-quality broodstock, biotechnology, and disease management.
In addition, hatcheries have been urged to strengthen biosecurity measures, improve traceability, and maintain strict quality control to support the long-term sustainability of Vietnam’s shrimp industry.
