Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the EU have shown substantial growth, reaching over USD 422 million by November 2024—a 16% year-on-year increase. This steady demand for Vietnamese shrimp has been particularly notable since April, with Southern Europe emerging as the largest market.
Key Highlights of Shrimp Demand:
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Southern Europe: Includes Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, and Greece. Consumers here favor peeled, headless, and breaded shrimp. Premium markets such as France and Italy prefer fresh shrimp, while tiger shrimp is especially popular.
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Northern Europe: Focuses on sustainably certified shrimp, reflecting growing environmental awareness among consumers.
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E-commerce Growth: The trend of buying shrimp online is on the rise, particularly for frozen and pre-prepared products. Fast delivery and specialized e-commerce packaging are becoming critical factors.
Industry Competition
Vietnam faces stiff competition from India, Thailand, Ecuador, and Brazil in the EU market. Despite this, Vietnam maintains its competitive edge by consistently meeting the EU’s stringent quality and food safety standards.
EU Market Insights
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The EU remains Vietnam’s fourth-largest shrimp export market, accounting for 13% of total exports.
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In 2023, Southern Europe imported 332,000 tons of shrimp from non-EU countries, with Penaeus shrimp comprising 64% of imports.
Looking Ahead
To sustain and expand its presence in the EU market, Vietnam’s shrimp sector should:
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Continue prioritizing quality and food safety compliance.
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Adapt to evolving consumer preferences, including sustainability and convenience.
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Leverage the growing e-commerce trend to enhance accessibility and visibility.
With its strong reputation and proven adaptability, Vietnam is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing global demand for shrimp and maintain its status as a leading seafood exporter.
Source: vietfishmagazine.com
