Shrimp exports gain momentum as China demand soars

Shrimp exports in June reached approximately US$458 million, up 24% from a year earlier, bringing first-half export earnings to US$2.35 billion, VASEP reported.

China and Hong Kong (China) remained Vietnam's largest export market, importing shrimp worth about US$845 million, or more than one-third of total export value. Exports to China alone increased 47%, reflecting robust demand across the Asian market.

Other key Asian markets, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia, also recorded steady demand, while exports to the European Union posted only modest growth, indicating that consumption has yet to fully recover.

Exports to the United States showed mixed performance. Shipments in June rose 32% year on year to around US$62 million, but six-month exports still fell 15% to approximately US$290 million.

VASEP said the June rebound was partly driven by exporters and US buyers accelerating shipments ahead of potential changes in US tariff policies, suggesting the increase may prove temporary.

Vietnamese shrimp exporters continue to face challenges in the US market, including anti-dumping and countervailing duties, stricter traceability requirements, and intense competition from other major suppliers.

High freight costs are also elevated. According to logistics platform Phaata, shipping a 40-foot container from Ho Chi Minh City to the US East Coast in mid-July cost nearly US$8,920, while rates to the West Coast stood at around US$6,487.

By comparison, shipping to China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea is significantly cheaper and faster, allowing exporters to reduce logistics costs and improve cash flow.

While these advantages have made Asia an increasingly important growth market for Vietnam's shrimp industry, VASEP cautioned that growing reliance on China also exposes exporters to risks, as demand, quarantine regulations, and market competition can shift rapidly.

Shrimp exports to China jump 58%, shipments to US and RoK decline

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China rose sharply in the first two months of 2026, while shipments to the United States and the Republic of Korea (RoK) dropped, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) reported on March 18.