EU emerges as an alternative haven for Vietnam’s shrimp amid U.S. trade risks

Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU surged 16% year-on-year in H1 2025, reaching over USD 252 million and accounting for 12% of the country’s total shrimp export revenue. The EU is increasingly seen as a strategic fallback as uncertainties mount in the U.S. market, especially with looming countervailing duties.

The growth was driven by strong demand in key markets such as Germany (+24%), Belgium (+31%), and France (+20%), though the Netherlands saw a slight 4% dip, highlighting varied consumption trends across the bloc.

Whiteleg shrimp continued to dominate, with export value up nearly 18% to USD 206 million. Processed products under HS code 16 brought in USD 97.4 million (+17%), while frozen and chilled shipments (HS code 03) rose 18.6% to USD 108.7 million.

However, black tiger shrimp saw a setback. Exports dropped 7.1% to USD 25 million, with both frozen and processed formats declining, reflecting ongoing weak demand for the species in the EU.

Other shrimp products, particularly non-traditional processed lines, showed stronger momentum. Exports rose 33% to USD 20.7 million, including a 50% jump in niche processed formats, suggesting an EU pivot toward value-added, convenient, and food-safe options.

Amid tightening U.S. trade policy, exporters from Vietnam, India, and Indonesia are increasingly targeting the EU to reduce risk. The EU’s stable post-pandemic recovery and improved inflation outlook have further supported demand growth.

Rabobank and Kontali data show EU shrimp import volumes grew 25% in H1 2025, led by Ecuador (+49%) and India (+42%). Imports into non-EU European markets rose 8%.

Still, the EU remains a high-barrier market. Certifications such as ASC, GlobalG.A.P., and Organic are now baseline requirements. Consumer shifts are favoring premium, traceable products, like naturally farmed black tiger shrimp or branded peeled formats. Madagascar, for instance, has successfully captured France’s high-end segment with its national shrimp brand.

VASEP urges Vietnamese exporters to pivot away from price competition. Instead, it recommends investing in sustainability, traceability systems, and brand-building efforts to tap deeper into EU retail and foodservice channels.

Source:  https://vietfishmagazine.com/