The first quarter of 2025 marked a remarkable breakthrough for Vietnam’s shrimp industry, with export value reaching USD 939 million — an impressive 37% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Amid recovering consumer demand in major markets such as China, the United States, Japan, and CPTPP countries, Vietnamese shrimp posted outstanding growth, laying an important foundation toward the annual export target of USD 4.3 billion for 2025.

Notably, China and Hong Kong (China) emerged as the brightest spot, with export value soaring to USD 288 million — a dramatic 125% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, the US market grew by 11%, the EU by 33%, Japan by 20%, and South Korea by 16%.

Competitive Pressures: Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnamese Shrimp

Despite the strong growth, Vietnam’s shrimp industry faces significant challenges. The export price of whiteleg shrimp to China is only USD 6.6/kg, lower than that of competitors such as Ecuador and India.

Ecuador is ramping up its competitive edge, with about 30% of its shrimp farming area certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) — a major advantage when accessing demanding markets like the EU and US. In contrast, ASC-certified farming areas in Vietnam remain modest, primarily due to small-scale farming and high certification costs.

This situation underlines an urgent need for Vietnam’s shrimp sector to build a brand associated with quality, transparency, and sustainability in order to maintain long-term growth momentum.

Building the "Vietnamese Shrimp" Brand with Quality and Sustainability

Experts suggest that to gain deeper penetration into premium retail shelves in the US, EU, and Japan, Vietnam’s shrimp industry must implement a clear branding strategy focusing on quality and traceability.

Focusing on Deep Processing and Product Transparency

Investing in deep processing not only increases product value but also reduces risks from raw material price volatility. Enterprises should ensure transparency throughout the production chain — from breeding stock and feed to farming, harvesting, processing, and export.

Achieving international certifications such as ASC, GlobalGAP, and BRC will enhance the credibility of Vietnamese shrimp and open up greater access to global supply chains.

Leveraging Opportunities from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Vietnam is enjoying substantial benefits from FTAs like EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP. Enterprises need to capitalize on tariff preferences while meeting the stringent quality and environmental standards required by these markets to boost exports.

In addition, expanding into potential markets such as Canada, South Korea, and especially Halal markets will help reduce reliance on traditional markets.

Greening the Shrimp Industry — An Inevitable Trend

In light of growing global demands for greener and cleaner products, Vietnam’s shrimp sector is actively transitioning toward green production, aligning with the national green growth strategy (Decisions 3444/QD-BNN-KH and 4441/QD-BNN-KHCN).

Adopting Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and Utilizing By-products

The industry is promoting the adoption of recirculating aquaculture models to minimize environmental pollution and make use of by-products for the production of bioproducts, contributing to a circular economy.

Integrated farming models such as shrimp-forest and shrimp-rice farming are also encouraged, helping diversify products and enhance ecological value.

Disease Control and Reducing Antibiotic Use

Effective disease control and minimizing antibiotic use in farming are top priorities to ensure food safety and meet stringent international standards.

At the same time, ensuring traceability from pond to plate will further build global consumer trust in Vietnamese shrimp products.

Traceability — The Key to Enhancing the Value of Vietnamese Shrimp

According to Ms. Le Hang, Deputy Secretary-General of VASEP, traceability is becoming a mandatory requirement for Vietnamese shrimp to access premium markets.

Applying international quality management systems not only enhances brand value but also boosts competitiveness, especially as markets increasingly prioritize "green" and "sustainable" products.

These efforts will not only protect the environment but also reduce production costs, increase value-added benefits, and expand consumption markets for Vietnamese shrimp in the future.

Entering 2025 with many positive signals, Vietnam’s shrimp industry stands before a major opportunity for breakthrough growth. However, to sustain a strong and sustainable growth trajectory, enterprises must focus on building brands associated with quality, green production practices, and market diversification.

Serious investments in technology, green production processes, and transparent supply chains will be the key for Vietnamese shrimp to conquer demanding markets and elevate the "Vietnamese Shrimp" brand on the global export map.