Vietnam’s shrimp industry posted strong export growth in the first half of 2026 as rising demand from China helped offset weaker sales to the United States. Industry data showed that growing shipments to mainland China and Hong Kong played a key role in supporting the sector during a period marked by trade uncertainty, rising logistics costs, and stricter import requirements in several global markets.
According to data released by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, shrimp exports increased by 24 percent year over year in June to about $458 million. Total shrimp export earnings reached $2.35 billion during the first six months of 2026, representing a 14.2 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
China and Hong Kong emerged as the largest drivers of growth. Combined shrimp exports to the two markets totaled about $845 million during the first half of the year. This accounted for more than one-third of Vietnam’s total shrimp export revenue.
Exports to mainland China recorded the fastest growth among Vietnam’s major markets. Shipments increased by 47 percent compared with the previous year. Industry experts said stronger seafood demand in major Chinese cities helped boost purchases of Vietnamese shrimp products.
Vietnam’s location has also given exporters an important advantage. Shorter transportation distances to China allow seafood products to reach buyers more quickly. Faster delivery times help reduce freight costs and improve product quality, especially for fresh and frozen shrimp products.
Recent improvements in cross-border trade systems have further supported export growth. Upgrades to border infrastructure, wider use of electronic customs procedures, stronger quarantine cooperation, and risk-based customs management have reduced clearance times for perishable seafood shipments.
As demand from China continues to grow, many Vietnamese seafood companies are investing in production improvements. Exporters are expanding certified shrimp farming operations, improving traceability systems, and increasing investment in value-added processing. These efforts are aimed at meeting the stricter quality and food safety requirements increasingly demanded by Chinese buyers.
While China delivered strong growth, the situation in the United States remained challenging. Shrimp exports to the US fell by 15 percent year over year during the first half of 2026. Export revenue from the market reached approximately $290 million.
Industry analysts noted that a temporary increase in shipments during June was likely linked to concerns about possible changes in US tariff policies. Many exporters and importers accelerated deliveries to avoid potential future trade costs. Analysts cautioned that the increase did not necessarily signal a lasting improvement in consumer demand within the US market.
Logistics costs continue to create difficulties for seafood exporters worldwide. Freight rates on major trans-Pacific shipping routes remain unstable. At the same time, shortages of refrigerated containers and occasional shipping delays are increasing transportation expenses for frozen seafood producers.
Exporters depend heavily on reliable cold-chain logistics to maintain product quality. Even short delays during transport can lead to higher storage costs and additional operational expenses. These challenges have affected profitability despite rising export volumes.
European markets are presenting similar difficulties. Exporters serving Europe continue to face shipping costs that remain above pre-pandemic levels. Shipping schedules are also being adjusted frequently due to ongoing disruptions across global supply chains.
In addition to transportation challenges, European buyers are imposing stricter standards related to sustainability, product traceability, carbon emissions, environmental protection, and illegal fishing controls. Meeting these requirements often requires additional investments from exporters, increasing overall compliance costs.
Despite these obstacles, industry experts believe China’s rapid growth offers Vietnam an opportunity to diversify its export markets and reduce dependence on traditional destinations. Strong demand from China provides a valuable source of growth at a time when some other markets are slowing.
However, analysts stress that the United States, the European Union, and Japan remain essential export destinations. These markets typically generate higher-value sales and continue to influence the long-term competitiveness of Vietnam’s seafood industry.
Experts say maintaining export growth will require more than increasing production. Improving logistics efficiency, expanding shipping options, and making greater use of free trade agreements will be important steps for reducing costs and strengthening competitiveness. Additional customs reforms and greater digitalization could also help speed up border clearance and support export growth.
With demand from China remaining strong, Vietnam’s shrimp industry is moving closer to its goal of achieving $5 billion in exports this year. Industry leaders believe continued success will depend on exporters’ ability to manage logistics costs, improve efficiency, and adapt to changing trade and regulatory requirements across key global markets.
