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Vietnam’s shrimp sector has emerged as one of the brightest success stories in the global seafood economy, closing 2025 with its strongest performance in three years. Following a period of volatility driven by global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and weak consumer demand, the industry has made a powerful comeback. According to the latest Vietnam export customs data, the total value of Vietnam shrimp exports reached approximately USD 3.4 billion in the first nine months of 2025, and is estimated to hit USD 4.2 billion by year-end. This marks a significant rebound, driven by improved farming efficiency, diversified product offerings, and robust international demand.

As one of the world’s leading seafood producers, Vietnam continues to strengthen its ranking as the second-largest shrimp exporter globally. The country accounts for nearly 13–14% of global shrimp export value, trailing only China. This in-depth guest post explores the key drivers behind this remarkable recovery, major export markets, production performance, pricing trends, and long-term prospects. Whether you're analyzing shrimp exports by country, evaluating market opportunities, or seeking verified data from Vietnam shrimp suppliers, this comprehensive report has you covered.

1. Export Performance in 2025: Vietnam’s Strongest Rebound Since 2021

The year 2025 is set to become a milestone for the Vietnam shrimp export industry. After a sluggish performance from 2022 to 2024, the sector witnessed a sharp acceleration in export growth:

• Estimated 2025 Export Value: USD 4.2 billion

• Year-on-Year Growth: 20–22%

• First 9 Months Export Value: USD 3.4 billion (up 22%)

• Share in National Seafood Exports: 35–40%

The momentum started early in 2025, with January shipments already rising by 13%. By the end of April, exports had surged 30% compared to the same period in 2024, clearly indicating renewed global demand and strong market fundamentals for shrimp export products.

2. Production Growth: Boost in Output of Whiteleg and Black Tiger Shrimp

Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported solid production growth in the first half of 2025:

• Whiteleg Shrimp (Vannamei): 367,000 tons (+7.3%)

• Black Tiger Shrimp: 125,000 tons (+3.5–4%)

This production rise is a significant improvement compared to average growth rates of just 2–3% in 2024. The use of high-tech farming systems, improved broodstock quality, and digital water-monitoring tools has enhanced farm productivity and sustainability. These advancements help Vietnam maintain a competitive edge among global shrimp export countries such as India, Ecuador, and Indonesia.

3. Key Markets Driving Vietnam’s Shrimp Export Boom

Using updated vietnam export customs data, the top importers of Vietnamese shrimp in 2024–2025 include:

1. China – USD 860.92 million (33.2%)

2. Japan – USD 360.86 million (13.9%)

3. United States – USD 327.07 million (12.6%)

4. South Korea – USD 199.89 million (7.7%)

5. Australia – USD 147.15 million (5.7%)

China and Hong Kong have become the largest drivers of growth, increasing imports significantly due to rising demand for high-quality seafood and premium dining trends. Meanwhile, Japan and the EU remain stable, high-value destinations, contributing consistently to Vietnam shrimp exports.

The U.S. market continues to show steady growth (4–10%), although exporters remain cautious due to potential anti-dumping duties. Despite this, Vietnam retains a competitive position thanks to its established processing capabilities and reliable quality.

4. Product Diversification Strengthens Market Position

One of the strategic reasons behind Vietnam’s export success is its extensive processing capacity. The country has increasingly shifted from raw shrimp exports to value-added categories such as:

• Peeled shrimp

• Cooked and seasoned shrimp

• Ready-to-eat shrimp

• Frozen specialty shrimp

These products now account for 40% of total export value, compared to around 30% in 2020. This diversification makes Vietnam more competitive than low-cost suppliers like Ecuador, which rely heavily on raw shrimp shipments.

Value-added shrimp also aligns well with evolving demand trends in the EU, Japan, and South Korea, where consumers increasingly prefer convenient, pre-processed seafood options.

5. Trade Agreements Continue to Benefit the Industry

Vietnam’s expansive network of free trade agreements (FTAs) is a major advantage for exporters. Key FTAs include:

• CPTPP

• EVFTA

• UKVFTA

These agreements have reduced tariffs on shrimp exports, giving Vietnam a strong advantage over competitors such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia. They also support further expansion into emerging markets like Australia, Canada, and the Middle East.

This is particularly beneficial for Vietnam shrimp suppliers looking to diversify their customer base beyond traditional markets.

6. Historical Performance: Decade of Vietnam Shrimp Export Growth

A quick look at historical Vietnam shrimp export data shows the industry's impressive rise:

The massive jump in 2024 and 2025 underscores Vietnam’s resilience and adaptability in the global seafood trade sector.

7. Challenges Ahead for Vietnam Shrimp Exports

Despite robust performance, the industry still faces several obstacles:

1. Disease Risks

Shrimp diseases like EMS remain a persistent threat, and climate change continues to impact water quality and salinity levels.

2. Rising Production Costs

Feed, electricity, and labor costs have risen 8–12% in 2025, putting pressure on profit margins.

3. Global Competition

Ecuador’s low-cost production model poses a continuous challenge. To stay competitive, Vietnam must focus on premium quality and branding.

4. Stringent Regulations

Key markets such as the EU and U.S. require advanced traceability and sustainability compliance, which can be costly for small exporters.

8. Future Outlook: High Growth Potential Through 2030

Short-term projections indicate:

• 2025 exports: USD 4.2 billion

• 2026 exports: USD 4.5 billion

Long-term trends suggest the industry could reach USD 5 billion by 2030, supported by:

• Technology-driven aquaculture

• Sustainability certifications

• Strong global demand

• Expanded value-added production

With continued investment and innovation, Vietnam is well-positioned to become the world’s leading supplier of premium shrimp products.

Conclusion

The year 2025 marks a major turning point for the Vietnam shrimp export industry. With a 22% jump in export value, rising production, diversified markets, and advanced farming methods, Vietnam has firmly reestablished itself as a global shrimp powerhouse. The industry’s strategic shift toward value-added products, combined with international trade advantages, positions it strongly for long-term growth.

Businesses seeking reliable Vietnam shrimp suppliers, detailed market intelligence, or updated Vietnam exports data can leverage trusted platforms such as VietnamExportData or request customized trade reports for deeper insights.