Processing shrimp for export at a factory in Vietnam. (Photo: kinhtenongthon.com.vn)
 

Vietnam’s shrimp exports have surged to their highest level in three years, reaching more than 3.4 billion USD in the first nine months of 2025, a 22% year-on-year increase.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the strong growth was driven by recovering demand in China, the US, the EU and the CPTPP bloc, along with Vietnamese businesses’ flexible adaptation to changing product segments and markets.

Exports to China and Hong Kong brought in 966 million USD, up 65% and accounting for nearly 30% of total turnover. However, rapidly rising inventories in these markets may cause imports to slow in the fourth quarter of this year and early next year.

Shipments to the US reached 587 million USD, a modest 4% rise, as exporters remained cautious about potential anti-dumping tariffs. Many businesses are shifting their focus to the EU and other Asian markets to diversify and reduce risk.

The CPTPP bloc recorded nearly 941 million USD in exports, up 34%, with Japan leading the group at 426 million USD thanks to stable demand for convenient, sustainably processed products. Exports to the EU totalled 434 million USD, an increase of 21%.

Elsewhere in Asia, the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Taiwan (China) saw strong double-digit growth of 13% and 36% respectively, while Russia and Canada showed signs of stagnation.

VASEP forecast that shrimp exports might ease slightly in the final quarter due to difficulties in the US market. However, Indonesia’s tighter export controls and Ecuador’s focus on China could reduce supply pressure elsewhere, creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese shrimp to maintain stable prices in the EU, Japan and the RoK.

The association said prospects for exports to the EU would remain positive through the year-end festive season and into 2026.

While global oversupply and cooling prices might slow growth, Vietnam’s advantages under the EVFTA, along with its strong processing capacity and export experience, would position it well to sustain momentum. VASEP noted that the industry could continue to expand market share by adapting swiftly to market trends and strengthening the national seafood brand. 

VNA