China replaces US as Vietnam’s largest shrimp export market

China imported US$834 million worth of Vietnamese shrimp last year, surpassing the U.S. as the largest buyer of the seafood.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the figure marked an increase of 39% year over year.

The decline in China’s supply due to unfavorable weather conditions is among the factors attributed to the import hike, VASEP said.

Ecuador’s reduced shrimp shipment to China allowed Vietnamese exporters to snap up sale opportunities, which were also driven up by China’s many policies to promote general domestic consumption of goods, it added.

In total Vietnam’s shrimp exports in 2024 reached $3.9 billion, up 14% from 2023.

It was the biggest category in Vietnam’s seafood exports, which reached $10 billion.

Pangasius contributed $2 billion. Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China seem to remain strong this year. In the first two weeks of January exports jumped 191% to $51 million.

China was also the largest buyer of Vietnamese lobster last year, accounting for about 99% of total exports volume.

VASEP advises exporters to prioritize lobster, salmon, and king crab this year as consumers have shown steady demand for them.