Vietnam's Aquaculture Exports: Shrimp and Surimi Market Insights

This summary consolidates information from two reports published by FoodMate News on December 1, 2025, analyzing the export performance of Vietnam's shrimp and surimi (fish paste) industries in 2025. The reports highlight significant growth, key market dynamics, and underlying challenges.

Vietnam's Shrimp Export: Explosive Growth and Emerging Risks

Shrimp Export Surge 🦐

Export Value (Jan-Oct)

$712 million

YoY Growth

+135%

China & Hong Kong dominate, accounting for 98.6% of total exports.

Market Performance and Growth Drivers

According to Vietnam Customs data, in the first ten months of 2025, Vietnam's shrimp exports totaled 712 million USD , marking a staggering 135% year-on-year increase . October alone saw exports reach 93 million USD , up 75% from the previous year.

The primary growth driver was China. Exports to Mainland China and Hong Kong during this period reached 702 million USD , growing by 135% , which accounted for approximately 98.6% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports. Vietnamese shrimps, particularly blue swimming crabs, gained favor in China's catering and e-commerce sectors due to their zero retaliatory tariffs , shorter transportation distances, and abundant supply.

Key Risks and Challenges

Despite the boom, the industry faces several risks:

• Price Volatility: The rapid price increase has raised concerns about market sustainability and potential regulatory scrutiny.

• Quality and Food Safety: There are worries about the quality and food safety of exported products, which could impact long-term market trust.

• Market Competition: The sharp decline in exports from Canada (-39%) and the United States (-10%) due to tariff issues created a temporary gap in the Chinese market, which Vietnam filled. However, this situation could be reversed if trade policies change.

  
  

  Vietnam's Surimi Export: Steady Growth Amidst Global Demand

  Surimi Export Growth

  🥢

  Export Value (Jan-Oct)

  $247 million

  YoY Growth

  +15.6%

  The U.S. remains the largest market, with exports valued at $82.5 million.

  Market Performance and Leading Markets

  Vietnam's surimi exports in the first ten months of 2025 reached 247 million USD , showing a 15.6% year-on-year increase .

  The United States was the largest export market, with surimi exports valued at 82.5 million USD . Other significant markets included China ( 38.5 million USD ), Japan ( 36.5 million USD ), South Korea ( 35.8 million USD ), and the Netherlands ( 20.5 million USD ).

  Key Risks and Challenges

  The surimi industry also faces notable challenges:

  • Regulatory Pressures: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified inspections, leading to a higher rate of product rejections.

  • Quality and Food Safety: Similar to the shrimp sector, maintaining high product quality and food safety standards is crucial to avoid regulatory hurdles and protect market access.

  • Market Competition: The surimi market is highly competitive, with exports from other countries posing a challenge to Vietnam's market share.

  
  

  📈

  "Vietnam's seafood exports are experiencing a golden period, but sustainable growth hinges on quality, compliance, and navigating the complex global trade landscape."

  
  

  —— Market Analyst