Vietnam shrimp orders may slow in H2 amid uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy – VASEP
Vietnam’s shrimp exports rebounded strongly in May, but prospects for the second half of 2025 remain uncertain as importers, particularly in the United States, adopt a cautious stance while awaiting clarity on tariff policy, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said.
The association warned that new orders could slow in coming months despite typically higher summer demand. U.S. buyers may hold off on purchases until there is more certainty about the continuation of tariff exemptions under the Trump administration.
In May, Vietnam’s shrimp exports posted solid growth in both volume and value, driven by major markets including the U.S. and China. VASEP called the performance a positive sign for a sector that has struggled with high input costs and weak global demand.
Whiteleg shrimp exports reached 30,089 tonnes in May, up 23% from April and 6% year-on-year. Exported products included headless cooked shrimp, tail-on peeled frozen shrimp, sushi shrimp, steamed shrimp, and battered shrimp with sauce.
However, VASEP cautioned that the second half of the year could be more volatile. If U.S. tariff exemptions lapse, Vietnamese shrimp could lose competitiveness.
In the first five months of 2025, leading whiteleg shrimp exporters included STAPIMEX, Minh Phu Hau Giang, Sao Ta, Minh Phu, and Cases.
The U.S. recorded the sharpest increase in imports, with May volume hitting 7,060 tonnes, up 72% from April and the highest since October 2024. The average export price to the U.S. rose 0.9% to USD 11.60 per kg.
China also boosted import volume to 4,500 tonnes, though the average price fell 3% to USD 6.50 per kg. Other markets posted steady gains: South Korea up 20%, the EU up 14%, and Japan up 3%. The U.K. was the only major market to decline, slipping 5%.
The average export price for whiteleg shrimp across all markets rose 1% to $9 per kg. Domestic raw shrimp prices climbed 5 – 7%, driven by rising processor demand, particularly from U.S. buyers aiming to complete orders before current tariff exemptions end.
In the premium segment, black tiger shrimp exports reached 4,353 tonnes in May, up 8% from April and 6% year-on-year. Exported products included PTO/PDTO shrimp, whole shrimp, frozen peeled shrimp, steamed shrimp, and HLSO shrimp.
Top black tiger shrimp exporters were Minh Phu, Minh Phu Hau Giang, Camimex, Minh Cuong, and Tom Mien Nam.
U.S. black tiger shrimp imports rose to 600 tonnes, with the highest price reaching USD 17.10 per kg. Japan imported 886 tonnes, with prices up 6% to USD 12.40 per kg. The EU marked a fourth consecutive month of growth, importing 390 tonnes despite a 6.1% price drop to USD 10.70 per kg.
South Korea imported nearly 200 tonnes, with prices down 30% to USD 8.30 per kg. China’s import volumes held steady at 1,300 tonnes, with prices falling 3.3% to USD 8.90 per kg.
The average export price for black tiger shrimp climbed 4% to USD 11.82 per kg. However, domestic raw shrimp production slipped 2% to 24,000 tonnes after a spike in the previous month. Abundant large-sized shrimp supply led to price adjustments at the farm gate: 20 – 40 count shrimp dropped 2%, 50 count was flat, and 80 count fell 9%.
VASEP said Vietnamese black tiger shrimp maintains an edge in high-end markets such as Japan, the EU, and Switzerland, where consumers prefer eco-friendly, mangrove-farmed, traceable, and sustainably certified products.
Still, the industry faces growing competition from India, which is expanding black tiger shrimp farming in Andhra Pradesh using a two-crop model to target Asian markets with smaller sizes (30-50 count/kg).
VFM
