According to data from the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), shrimp export turnover in the first two months reached 690 million USD, an increase of 20% compared to the same period last year.

China (including Hong Kong) continues to be the main purchasing market for Vietnamese shrimp, with a turnover of 309 million USD, an increase of 58% compared to the same period last year. This figure is equivalent to nearly half of the shrimp export turnover in the first two months of the year.

The EU maintained steady growth at $77 million, up 28%. Japan saw a slight increase of 1%, reaching $70 million.

Conversely, the US market experienced a sharp decline. In February alone, shrimp exports to this market reached only $16 million, a decrease of 61%.

Developments in the US are currently the biggest factor putting pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exports. The first direct impact is the final outcome of the 19th administrative review of Vietnamese frozen warmwater shrimp. According to the official announcement from the US Department of Commerce, two mandatory respondents were subject to a 25.76% tariff rate, while 22 businesses received an individual rate of 4.58%. This tariff increase not only raises cost risks but also makes US importers more cautious in finalizing new orders.

The second factor is the 10% additional import tariff announced by the White House on February 20, 2026, under Section 122, effective for 150 days. Since this policy only takes effect on February 24, its impact on February's export figures is not yet fully reflected, but its influence on trading sentiment and price negotiations has already begun to emerge. For shrimp, a price-sensitive commodity, any additional tariff could reduce the competitiveness of exporting businesses in the short term.

Besides tariffs, the US market is also tightening technical controls on imported seafood. Requirements related to antibiotics, HACCP, traceability, and import alert mechanisms have been further strengthened since the beginning of March. For shrimp, this creates risks and could affect customs clearance, delivery schedules, and increased costs for businesses. Given that exports to the US already decreased in February, these technical barriers make the market even more unpredictable.

Furthermore, logistical risks stemming from tensions in the Middle East remain a factor to monitor. Fluctuations in international shipping routes could increase delivery costs to the Middle East and parts of the European market, thereby putting pressure on shrimp businesses' profit margins in the coming months. While the impact may not be immediately apparent in February figures, this remains an unfavorable variable for an industry already facing intense price competition.

Source: VTV

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