Shrimp farmers need to remain calm and overcome challenges in the face of the new U.S. tariff

Affected but should not panic
When the United States announced a general tariff rate of 46% for Vietnam, fluctuations began to appear in aquaculture production in Ca Mau. According to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, some shrimp purchasing companies have adjusted the buying price of raw shrimp from farms. Prices have dropped; in just two days (April 4 and 5), the price of whiteleg shrimp in the provincial market fell by over 10,000 VND/kg depending on size.

The Ca Mau Department of Industry and Trade noted that the newly announced 46% U.S. tariff will impact export turnover to the U.S. market. However, the extent of the impact depends on each business’s strategy—whether the agreed contract terms require the customer or the company to bear the tariff.

In general, businesses are currently reluctant to quote prices or sign sales contracts with U.S. customers. Some containers already on ships remain in limbo, awaiting confirmation of the tariff rate. Several companies reported that U.S. buyers such as Mazzetta, Blue Sea, and Limson have requested all Vietnamese companies to temporarily halt shipments.

In some areas, shrimp farmers—especially those using intensive and super-intensive farming methods in Bac Lieu and Ca Mau—are worried and have begun harvesting shrimp en masse. This risks overwhelming processing plants, exceeding capacity, and forcing businesses to further lower purchase prices for raw shrimp.

According to the Ca Mau authorities, seafood exports—mainly shrimp—to the U.S. market reached USD 70.98 million in 2023 (5.91% of the province’s exports), USD 76.78 million in 2024 (6.07%), and in Q1 2025 reached USD 6.84 million (3.74%). Thus, the potential impact of the yet-to-be-official U.S. tariff on Ca Mau’s shrimp industry is only about 6%, and about 19% for the country as a whole. This is not a large figure, so the impact on the shrimp sector will be limited, given the presence of other potential markets.

Staying calm to overcome challenges
Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, advised:
“At this time, shrimp farmers must remain calm, absolutely avoid panic, and continue to closely monitor tariff developments. The most important thing is to stabilize production—do not harvest early or hastily, and do not sell off stock in a way that disrupts the market. Additionally, actively coordinate with relevant agencies to implement necessary solutions, especially applying science and technology to reduce production costs, increase productivity, and ensure quality to enhance competitiveness in this challenging situation.”

Seafood processing and export businesses should exercise caution and consideration when reducing purchase prices for raw shrimp, as this could negatively affect both farmers and companies. They should continue coordinating with agencies, units, and industry associations to help farmers get through this difficult period.

Luu Hoang Ly, Director of the Bac Lieu Department of Agriculture and Environment, also advised buyers and shrimp farmers not to harvest on a mass scale.

Source: Lao Động

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