In the first five months of 2025, the US imported 340,955 tonnes of shrimp worth nearly US$2.84 billion, up 15% in volume and 24% in value year-on-year. Notably, April alone saw a surge of 38% in volume and 47% in value, even after the US imposed a 10% reciprocal import tax on shrimp from most countries starting April 5.

VASEP noted that shipments spiked ahead of July 9, when further tariffs of up to 36% were expected to take effect. On July 2, President Trump announced via social media that Vietnamese goods would face a 20% import tax, while transit goods would be taxed at 40%.

Although Vietnam ranks lower in volume at 21,140 tonnes, up 4%, it continues to maintain a pricing advantage. In May, Vietnamese shrimp fetched an average of US$5.10 per pound in the US, the highest among key suppliers, underlining its premium market position.

However, Vietnam’s shrimp industry is facing three major challenges: a 20% reciprocal tax, anti-dumping duties, and countervailing duties. Preliminary findings from the 19th administrative review (POR19) released in June show that some Vietnamese firms may be subject to anti-dumping duties exceeding 35%, forcing them to allocate financial provisions for US-bound orders.

Adding to the strain, disease outbreaks in shrimp farming are driving up domestic production costs, eroding competitiveness.

The outlook for the rest of 2025 remains uncertain. VASEP emphasized that future performance will depend largely on the outcome of trade negotiations and final tariff decisions by the US Department of Commerce. If tariffs are kept at manageable levels, Vietnam could still maintain its market share in the US.

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