China increases shrimp import value by 10%.
By the end of October 2025, China's shrimp imports reached approximately $4.3 billion, a 10% increase year-on-year, despite a 1% increase in production volume. This reflects the trend of Chinese consumers prioritizing higher-quality products and being willing to pay higher prices, pushing up the average import price.
Among the major suppliers, Ecuador – the number one shrimp exporter to China – recorded a slight 1% decrease in export volume but a 9% increase in value, indicating a strategy of focusing on high-value products, large-sized shrimp, or maintaining better export prices.
Vietnam's shrimp exports are among the leading exports to the Chinese market.
India and Thailand also demonstrated strong competitiveness, with shrimp exports to China increasing by 16% and 14% respectively. Notably, the growth was mainly seen in September and October – the period when Chinese businesses intensified their stockpiling for the year-end holiday season and Lunar New Year.
This development shows that the race to supply shrimp to China is becoming increasingly fierce, not only in terms of price but also in the ability to deliver on time during peak demand periods.
Black tiger shrimp – a prominent advantage for Vietnam in the Chinese market.
According to Vietnamese Customs data, Vietnamese shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong (China) continue to surge. As of November 15, 2025, export value reached approximately US$1.2 billion, a 60% increase compared to the same period in 2024; exports to mainland China alone increased by as much as 66%. This solidifies Vietnam's position among the most important shrimp suppliers in this populous market.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), besides lobster – a major product in the market – Vietnamese tiger shrimp is also a "star" in the Chinese and Hong Kong (China) markets. This is a high-end segment, mainly serving restaurant chains, hotels, catering services, and consumer groups who demand high quality, size, and uniformity.
The sharp increase in China's import value, while production only slightly increased, further demonstrates the growing demand for premium and convenient products. This opens up opportunities for high-quality tiger shrimp, processed shrimp, and packaged products bearing Vietnamese brands.
"To take full advantage of opportunities in the increasingly competitive Chinese market, businesses should prioritize promoting high-quality frozen tiger shrimp products, proactively planning production, procurement, and inventory to ensure a stable supply of whiteleg shrimp for this market. In addition, they need to regularly update new regulations and standards; build a quality management system, and maintain complete records of farming areas and processing plants to ensure smooth customs clearance and reduce the risk of increased costs and order delays," the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) advises.
With strong demand in the premium segment and a market trend towards quality, Vietnamese shrimp, especially tiger shrimp, is poised to expand its market share in China if it seizes the right opportunity and adopts the appropriate strategy.
Overall, China's increasing imports of high-value shrimp are creating significant opportunities for Vietnam, but only businesses that proactively improve quality, standardize processes, and quickly respond to peak demand periods can maintain their competitive advantage and sustainably expand their market share in the coming period.
Dieu Linh
Source: https://congthuong.vn/viet-nam-cung-co-vi-the-nhom-dau-xuat-khau-tom-vao-trung-quoc-434261.html
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