Shrimp Exports to the U.S.: Immediate Challenges and the Battle to Maintain Market Share

According to data from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 reached approximately USD 1.46 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, exports to the United States totaled only about USD 152 million, down 21%, accounting for roughly 10% of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value.

The current decline in the U.S. market is driven by a combination of factors, including sluggish recovery in U.S. consumer demand, trade defense risks, and increasingly intense competition from Ecuador and India

On the other hand, the U.S. market continues to show some encouraging demand signals. According to preliminary estimates from Expana, U.S. shrimp imports in May 2026 reached approximately 150.5 million pounds, an increase of about 5.2% compared to the same period last year.

After a period of weak imports at the beginning of the year, shrimp import volumes into the United States have shown a gradual recovery from April to May. However, many analysts believe that this increase mainly reflects inventory adjustments and shipment timing rather than a strong rebound in consumer demand.

  

 

In the short term, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the United States are expected to remain under pressure due to slow demand recovery, fierce price competition, and increasingly stringent import control requirements.

So, what strategies must Vietnam’s shrimp industry implement to maintain its market share in the United States? Detailed analysis, along with updated statistics on Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the U.S. during the first four months of 2026 and the latest U.S. shrimp import data from major suppliers, will be featured in the full article published in Newsletter No. 20, released on June 5, 2026.

Source: VASEP

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