Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Fast Growth and Strong Global Position

Despite global challenges and post-pandemic recovery, Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to grow and plays a key role in the country’s seafood exports. With improved production capacity, a more efficient product structure, and a sustainable growth strategy, Vietnam’s shrimp sector is steadily building a strong presence in international markets.

Solid Growth Foundation from Key Farming Areas

Shrimp continues to be the key export product of Vietnam’s seafood industry, contributing approximately 35–40% of the total annual seafood export value. With farming areas stretching from the North to the South, the Mekong Delta region holds the central role, accounting for 91.7% of the country’s total shrimp farming area. This forms a solid foundation for Vietnam’s shrimp industry to meet global market demands.

By the end of 2024, the total shrimp farming area nationwide reached 749,700 hectares, including:

• Black tiger shrimp: 628,800 ha (up 1.1% compared to 2023)

• Whiteleg shrimp: 121,000 ha (up 5% compared to 2023)

• Key farming provinces: Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Kien Giang, Ben Tre, and Tra Vinh, accounting for 91.7% of the national farming area

Over the past 6 years, the shrimp farming area has grown by an average of 5% per year, and production has increased by 8.4% per year, mainly due to significant improvements in whiteleg shrimp productivity. Whiteleg shrimp production has increased by 82% in just 5 years, equivalent to an average growth rate of 13% per year, while black tiger shrimp production has declined by an average of 1.5% per year, with a total decrease of 8% over 6 years.

Efficient Product Structure Shifts

Along with increased production, whiteleg shrimp exports have gained dominance, with an average growth rate of 7% per year over the past 5 years. This is the result of production restructuring efforts focusing on high-quality shrimp broodstock, intensive high-tech farming, and cost optimization in production.

Strong Recovery in Output and Exports

2024 marks a remarkable recovery for Vietnam’s shrimp industry, with total production reaching 1.29 million tons, an increase of 15.3% compared to 2023. Of this:

• Black tiger shrimp reached 284,000 tons, up slightly by 3.6%

• Whiteleg shrimp remained the key species with 980,000 tons, increasing strongly by 16%

In parallel with the rise in production, shrimp export turnover is forecasted to reach 3.9 to 4 billion USD, reflecting clear recovery signals after a difficult year due to high input costs and declining global demand. These positive figures show that the shrimp industry is gradually regaining growth momentum, affirming Vietnam’s position on the global seafood export map.

Processed Shrimp – Potential for Value-Added Growth

Currently, frozen shrimp still accounts for around 60% of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value, showing the dominant role of this product line in the export structure. However, processed shrimp – a segment that brings high added value – is gradually expanding its market share, especially in developed markets. In the U.S., processed shrimp has surpassed 50% of the total, while in the EU and Japan it is over 40%, and in South Korea, over 30%. In contrast, in nearby markets such as China and ASEAN, the share of processed shrimp remains quite low, ranging from only 4–10%.

This indicates a large growth potential for convenient processed products, suitable for modern consumption trends that prioritize speed, safety, and nutrition. This is also a strategic direction to increase export value and reduce dependence on traditional semi-processed products.

Business Capacity and Investment Potential

Vietnam currently has more than 350 shrimp production facilities that meet international export standards. The top 5 largest shrimp exporting enterprises report annual revenue exceeding 150 million USD each, accounting for nearly 35% of the country’s total shrimp export value.

Vietnam is also recognized as having one of the most advanced shrimp processing technologies in the region, with strengths in producing value-added products and a closed-loop supply chain. Shrimp is one of two strategic aquaculture species prioritized by the Government in the National Aquaculture Development Strategy, confirming the long-term commitment to this sector.

Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 co-locate VietShrimp Asia 2026: Connecting the Entire Aquaculture Value Chain

For the first time, Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 and VietShrimp Asia 2026 will be colocated, creating one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions in the aquaculture industry. This is a strategic meeting point for businesses looking to introduce their most advanced products, technologies, and solutions to the market. With the participation of senior leaders, experts, and enterprises from over 30 countries, the event will not only open up business connection opportunities but also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, cooperation, and sustainable development throughout the aquaculture and seafood processing value chain.

Projected scale:

• Over 8,800 m² of exhibition space

• 200+ domestic and international exhibitors

• 30+ participating countries and territories

• 7,000+ professional visitors

The event will be an ideal meeting point for the business community, experts, and organizations within the aquaculture value chain – from broodstock, feed, farming technology, environmental management equipment, processing, to commercialization of products.

Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 and VietShrimp Asia 2026 will act as a strategic bridge, enabling producers to connect with technology providers and consumption markets directly. This is an opportunity for Vietnam’s shrimp industry to affirm its position, share experiences, and keep up with global aquaculture development trends.

Booth registration: https://www.aquafisheriesexpo.com/dat-gian-hang/

For more information, please contact the Organising Committee:

• Ms. Sophie Nguyen – [email protected] (Booth registration support)

• Ms. Phuong – [email protected] (Group registration support)

• Ms. Anita Pham – [email protected] (Media & marketing support)