China has spent over USD 1 billion procuring this commodity from Vietnam.

According to Vietnam Customs statistics, in August 2026, the country's shrimp exports reached USD 478.5 million, up 4.2% year-on-year. Cumulative export turnover in the first eight months touched USD 3.3 billion, an increase of 12%.

Whiteleg shrimp continued to capture the largest share with more than USD 2 billion, up 7.6%; black tiger shrimp reached nearly USD 318 million, up 7.4%; while other shrimp categories yielded USD 936.6 million, surging 25%.

By destination market, China emerged as the primary growth driver, generating over USD 1.07 billion, up 38.2%. This represents the most prominent growth rate among key consumer markets, providing substantial ongoing support to the industry's aggregate performance.

Conversely, shipments to the United States reached USD 436.1 million, contracting 11.7%; August alone fell 12.6%. The EU likewise failed to generate fresh momentum, recording USD 355.3 million, down 3.6%; August shipments dropped by 23.5%. Meanwhile, Japan climbed 6.1% to USD 388.5 million; Australia gained 18.2%; and Canada advanced 6.5%. The CPTPP bloc absorbed USD 901 million, up 11%, continuing to demonstrate the vital role of market diversification for Vietnamese shrimp.

Currently, Vietnam’s shrimp sector is entering a green transition, transforming production models from conventional farming toward sustainable practices, minimizing ecological footprints, and satisfying international market standards. Alongside this shift, Vietnam is evaluated as possessing the world's most advanced shrimp processing technology, with proven competitive advantages in value-added product lines.

Statistics from the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment show that Vietnam currently maintains roughly 750,000 hectares of farming area, including over 200,000 hectares cultivated under organic and ecological methods certified by international bodies. These products have proven their edge across numerous major and demanding destinations. In reality, however, the domestic shrimp industry still faces formidable hurdles, particularly concerning market trade policies. Therefore, the sector must execute synchronized measures to reorient production toward green, responsible models, prioritize quality, protect consumer health, and unlock sustainable value addition.

Insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026, held in the Netherlands in early September, also yielded noteworthy projections for the remainder of the year. Global shrimp output is forecast to continue expanding, creating short-term oversupply pressures.

Major producer nations such as Ecuador and India continue to ramp up harvest volumes backed by low-cost advantages, compelling global buyers to impose more demanding criteria. Importers are no longer focusing solely on unit price, placing equal emphasis on product specifications, supply chain stability, and strict compliance with sustainability and corporate social responsibility certifications.

Looking at the broader picture, the trajectory of Vietnam’s shrimp industry over the closing months of 2026 will hinge significantly on business adaptability. While market headwinds in the US and the EU have yet to ease, sustaining commercial momentum in China and the CPTPP bloc remains essential.

Over the long haul, aggressively pivoting toward deep-processed, value-added shrimp lines while maintaining strict compliance with technical standards will serve as the primary key to anchoring Vietnam’s standing on the global trade map.

Source: CafeF