Vietnam shrimp exports surge in May, outlook for June remains uncertain
Vietnam’s shrimp exports posted strong growth in May 2025, with both whiteleg and black tiger shrimp reaching their highest export volumes and values so far this year. However, prospects for June and the second half of the year remain unclear.
Whiteleg shrimp drives export gains
In May 2025, whiteleg shrimp exports rose to 30,089 tonnes, up 23% from April and 6% year-on-year. Average export prices edged up 1% to USD 9.01 per kg. Key products included headless cooked shrimp, sushi shrimp, steamed shrimp, and battered shrimp in sauce.
Shipments to the United States reached 7,060 tonnes, the highest since October 2024, at an average price of USD 11.60 per kg (+0.9%). Exports to China totaled 4,500 tonnes, also a post-October high, although prices fell 3% to USD 6.50 per kg. Exports to the EU held steady at 4,600 tonnes, with prices down 1.3% to USD 7.60 per kg. Japan imported 3,700 tonnes at USD 9.40 per kg (+4.4%), while exports to South Korea remained stable at 3,500 tonnes at USD 7.90 per kg.
Domestically, farm-gate prices for whiteleg shrimp increased 5-7% thanks to robust export demand, particularly from U.S. buyers seeking to secure supplies ahead of expiring tariff preferences.
Black tiger shrimp recovers in premium segment
Black tiger shrimp maintained steady growth in the premium market segment, with May exports reaching 4,353 tonnes, up 8% from April and 6% year-on-year. Average export prices rose 4% to USD 11.82 per kg.
Shipments to Japan climbed 24%, to the U.S. rose 44%, to the EU increased 26%, to South Korea gained 12%, and to the UK were up 20%. Exports to China and Hong Kong dipped slightly by 1%. Notably, U.S. import prices for black tiger shrimp hit a peak of USD 17.10 per kg for 600 tonnes.
However, raw black tiger shrimp supplies declined slightly by 2% to 24,000 tonnes after a sharp increase in April. Farm-gate prices showed signs of correction, with large sizes (20-40 pcs/kg) down 2% and 80 pcs/kg sizes falling by up to 9%. Supply is forecast to improve in June.
Competition and June outlook
Vietnam retains an edge in premium markets thanks to eco-certified black tiger shrimp farmed in mangrove forests. However, competition from India is intensifying as the country expands two-crop black tiger farming, targeting Asian markets with sizes around 30-50 pcs/kg.
Despite strong May results, June exports may face headwinds from cautious buyers, particularly in the U.S., where processors have paused new contracts pending clarity on tariff policy. If preferential tariffs are not extended, Vietnam’s competitiveness could face significant challenges in the second half of the year.
VFM
