Vietnamese shrimp gains momentum in China amid pressure from Ecuador and India

Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong reached nearly USD 767 million as of August 15, 2025, up 76% year-on-year, accounting for almost 29% of the country’s total shrimp exports. The market currently posts the highest growth rate this year. In the first half of August alone, export value reached USD 57 million, representing nearly 30% of total shrimp shipments.

By product category, the “other shrimp” segment including lobster and mantis shrimp holds a significant share and recorded triple-digit growth, particularly in live, fresh, and frozen products. Exported black tiger shrimp to China rose by double digits, while whiteleg shrimp shipments declined; however, processed whiteleg shrimp increased, reflecting a consumer shift toward ready-to-cook and value-added products. Among exporters, Phat Loi Trading – Service – Production Co., Ltd. leads the market, accounting for 19% of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, maintaining its top position since 2024.

China’s frozen warm-water shrimp imports recover

According to Chinese Customs, in the first seven months of 2025, China imported 519,000 tonnes of frozen warm-water shrimp, down 2% in volume but up 7% in value to USD 2.73 billion, supported by a 9% rise in average unit price to USD 5.25/kg. In July alone, imports surged to over 90,000 tonnes, the highest monthly volume since early 2024, signaling recovering demand. 

Ecuador accounted for 75% of imports, while India’s shipments fell 7% to 76,000 tonnes. Smaller suppliers such as Myanmar, Argentina, and Thailand posted strong growth. However, large inventories and weakened foodservice demand caused import shrimp prices to fall in August, highlighting short-term saturation risks in the mass-market segment.

Niche segments

Ecuador maintains dominance thanks to abundant supply, competitive pricing, and products that align with local preferences, particularly head-on frozen shrimp. India, the second-largest supplier, is losing market share due to quality control challenges, rising costs, and dispersed supply chains. In this context, Vietnamese shrimp is gaining ground in the premium segment, including large black tiger shrimp, live lobster, and value-added processed products. This allows Vietnam to avoid direct competition with Ecuador in the mass market while tapping into potential niche markets in China.

Outlook 

In the short term, Vietnam’s shrimp exports are expected to continue rising, especially during major holidays such as Mid-Autumn Festival, New Year, and Lunar New Year. Live lobster, large black tiger shrimp, and deeply processed whiteleg shrimp will remain key drivers. 

Over the medium term, rising domestic shrimp production in China and ongoing competition from Ecuador and India will pose challenges. Vietnamese exporters need to focus on quality, diversify product offerings, target premium segments, and strictly comply with quarantine, traceability, and labeling requirements to maintain a sustainable presence in the Chinese market.

VFM