By product structure, lobster and other shrimp varieties posted triple-digit growth, especially in live, fresh, and frozen segments. Black tiger shrimp exports rose by double digits, while raw whiteleg shrimp declined. However, processed whiteleg shrimp saw growth, reflecting a shift in consumer demand toward convenience and value-added products.

On the import side, statistics from the General Administration of Customs of China show China’s warm-water frozen shrimp imports in the first seven months of 2025 fell 2% in volume to 519,000 tonnes but rose 7% in value to US$2.73 billion, thanks to a 9% increase in average prices.

Ecuador maintained dominance with a 75% market share (about 389,000 tonnes), while India lost ground to 76,000 tonnes, while smaller suppliers like Myanmar, Argentina, and Thailand recorded strong growth.

Surging imports in July pushed inventories higher, combined with weak foodservice demand, driving down shrimp import prices in August.

In this competitive landscape, Vietnamese shrimp stands out in the premium segment, with advantages in large black tiger shrimp, live lobster, and value-added processed products. This positioning helps Vietnam avoid direct competition with Ecuador in the mass segment while tapping into China’s growing appetite for premium seafood.

VASEP forecasts that shrimp exports to China will continue to rise during major holidays such as Mid-Autumn Festival, New Year, and Lunar New Year, with live lobster, large black tiger shrimp, and processed whiteleg shrimp serving as key drivers. In the medium term, however, rising domestic output in China and fierce competition from Ecuador and India are expected to pose challenges.

China emerges as top buyer of Vietnamese shrimp in first half

VOV.VN - China (including Hong Kong) became the largest importer of Vietnamese shrimp in the first half of the year, with export turnover reaching nearly US$595 million, an 81% increase year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).