Despite the robust growth of Vietnam's shrimp exports with a presence in 107 markets worldwide, experts held that in order to maintain this momentum and effectively seize new market opportunities, the shrimp industry must proactively enhance production conditions and standardise processes from production to trade.

The top five markets for Vietnamese shrimp are China, the US, Japan, the European Union, and the Republic of Korea, collectively accounting for 76% of the country’s total shrimp export value. Notably, rosy signs have been seen since late 2024, with key markets like the EU, China, and the US driving strong shrimp export performance at the beginning of the year.

Exporters are capitalising on demand and price recoveries. Additionally, due to the reputation for high-quality products and the advantage of value-added processed shrimp, Vietnamese companies are maintaining their market share in demanding markets such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the EU.

China has overtaken the US to become Vietnam's largest shrimp buyers. In particular, the export of lobster shrimp to China has seen a remarkable surge. In January 2025 alone, lobster shrimp accounted for nearly half of Vietnam's total seafood exports to the neighbouring country, a nine-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Moreover, free trade agreements (FTAs) have opened up more opportunities for exporting shrimp to countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, further boosting the competitiveness of Vietnamese shrimp.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment predicted that seafood consumption and import demand will continue to grow positively as large economies recover, while emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia are showing strong growth potential. Particularly in the US market, policies under the Trump administration may create new opportunities for exporting Vietnamese shrimp and catfish, with the potential for reduced imports from certain countries and an increase in alternative sources of supply.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) forecast that shrimp exports will continue to rise in 2025 due to strategic production adjustments and market expansion. However, competition pressure from major shrimp-producing countries like Ecuador, India, and Thailand remains significant.

However, experts held that stringent traceability and quality standards from markets like the US and the EU are raising the bar for Vietnamese exporters, requiring them to boost competitiveness.

Tran Dinh Luan, Director of the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, pointed to the industry’s reliance on foreign breeding stock and wild capture, making it vulnerable to market fluctuations, along with high cost of shrimp production, and impacts from climate change, saltwater intrusion, and drought.

Phan Quang Minh, Vice Director of the Department of Livestock and Animal Health recommended that farms implement proactive disease monitoring programs in line with World Organisation for Animal Health regulations, develop safe, disease-free production facilities, and supply chains for both domestic and foreign markets.

VASEP suggested that the Government and relevant ministries focus on economic diplomacy, bilateral negotiations, and targeted trade promotion efforts in key markets to unlock advantages for Vietnamese shrimp exports.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasised that alongside investing infrastructure and logistics, the shrimp industry needs to reorganize production, harvesting, processing, and trade promotion processes to ensure they go in tandem.

To boost shrimp value and ensure sustainable growth, Tien advised the Mekong Delta and other regions to focus on developing high-quality breeding stock, reducing costs, and minimising disease risks. He said farms should shift towards green, low-emission practices, incorporating digital technology and traceability systems, while exporters and farmers should stay prepared by adapting to market changes and adopting new technologies./.