Feed prices rise, raw shrimp prices fall – pressure builds across the entire value chain

Many feed suppliers raise prices

According to market observations, from late March to early April 2026, many aquafeed manufacturers adjusted their selling prices upward, with increases typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand VND/kg; some product lines saw even higher adjustments.

According to businesses, the price increases mainly stem from fluctuations in input costs, including raw material prices, logistics expenses, and exchange rates. As production costs continue to be influenced by global market conditions, companies explain that these adjustments are a response to market movements.

The simultaneous price increases by multiple companies within a short period have significantly raised input costs for farmers. As feed accounts for a large proportion of farming costs, this trend is pushing overall shrimp production costs higher and reducing farming efficiency.

  

 

Raw shrimp prices decline compared to the beginning of the year

In contrast to rising feed prices, domestic raw shrimp prices have declined noticeably after the Lunar New Year and dropped more sharply in the first half of April 2026. Reports from key shrimp farming regions also show that whiteleg shrimp prices decreased across various sizes in March 2026 compared to previous periods.

Market data and observations from several farming areas indicate that shrimp prices in April have fallen significantly from their peak in early January, particularly for medium and large sizes. This downward trend is widespread, reflecting consumption pressure amid uneven recovery in export markets, while domestic supply remains relatively high in the early farming season.

Rising costs – falling prices: competitiveness eroded

The combination of declining selling prices and increasing input costs is significantly reducing shrimp farming profitability. Given that feed typically accounts for a major share of production costs, even modest increases per unit can accumulate into substantial cost increases over an entire farming cycle.

In this context, the competitiveness of Vietnamese shrimp in international markets is also affected. While domestic production costs rise, competitors such as Ecuador and India continue to maintain lower cost advantages, widening the price competitiveness gap.

This pressure is further intensified as processing and export enterprises face fierce competition from major supplying countries, while packaging, materials, logistics, and freight costs continue to add burdens. Ongoing geopolitical tensions are also increasing transportation risks and logistics costs for exports.

These challenges affect not only farmers but also processors, as export prices are heavily influenced by market conditions while many input cost components continue to rise.

Farmers become cautious, risk to future supply

Rising costs combined with weak output prices are directly impacting stocking decisions. With unclear profitability, farmers tend to be more cautious in production planning, reducing stocking densities or delaying stocking schedules.

Current challenges for farmers are not limited to rising input costs and low prices but also include increasing disease risks, environmental fluctuations, and greater difficulty in managing farming operations in certain regions. These factors further increase costs, production risks, and cautious sentiment toward restocking.

If this trend continues, raw material supply in the coming months could be affected. The shrimp industry may face localized shortages during peak processing and export periods at the end of the year. This is a critical factor to monitor, as supply shortages could impact production schedules, delivery timelines, and the ability of companies to fulfill orders.

  

 

Need for shared efforts to stabilize the value chain

When input costs rise while output prices fall, pressure extends beyond farmers to the entire value chain. Under current conditions, maintaining industry stability requires cooperation and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

Farmers need better access to market information to adjust production plans. Input suppliers should support the market to help ease cost pressures during difficult periods. Processing companies need to strengthen linkages with farming areas to stabilize supply. Authorities should closely monitor developments and provide timely support measures when necessary.

Balancing benefits across all stakeholders in the value chain will be crucial to helping the shrimp industry overcome current challenges, maintain competitiveness, and ensure stable raw material supply in the coming period.

Source: vasep

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