Value added products shrimp products, primarily under HS code 16, are emerging as a decisive factor in Vietnam’s strategy to strengthen its competitive edge and reinforce its position in the global seafood market.

1. Performance and Market Leadership

Value-added shrimp has become a cornerstone of Vietnam’s export structure, reflecting the industry’s clear shift towards deep processing.

Performance and Market Leadership

In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam’s exports of HS 16 shrimp products reached USD 1 billion, representing a 12% year-on-year increase and accounting for 34% of the country’s total shrimp export value. Within this segment, processed whiteleg shrimp brought in USD 903.02 million, up 12.9%, while processed black tiger shrimp reached USD 43.60 million, up 18%. These results highlight the growing importance of value-added products in Vietnam’s shrimp industry. With processing plants capable of handling millions of tons annually, Vietnam has solidified its position as a “global reprocessing hub,” offering a diverse range of products from frozen blocks to cooked, breaded, and retail-ready items, designed to meet the demands of international markets.

2. Primary Consumption Markets

Value added products

Vietnam’s VA shrimp is most competitive in mature, high-demand markets where quality standards are stringent.

• The United States (28% share), Japan (18%), and South Korea (8%) are the leading importers.

• Sector growth continues to be fueled by solid demand in the US, Japan, and the EU, alongside rising orders from regional markets.

3. Global Competition and Strategic Shifts

As consumer demand increasingly shifts from raw shrimp to processed products, VA shrimp is the strategic lever for Vietnam to maintain an edge in global competition.

Ecuador: Traditionally strong in raw Head-On Shell-On (HOSO) shrimp, Ecuador has rapidly scaled up its processed shrimp capacity – doubling production between 2020 and 2022 – to penetrate the US and EU markets.

India: Facing punitive US tariffs that push frozen shrimp duties close to 60%, India is pivoting towards the EU and Asia, intensifying competition in the processed segment.

Indonesia: Over-reliant on the US (60% of its exports) and burdened by a 19% tariff, Indonesia anticipates declining exports.

These shifts show that countries investing early in processing, standardization, and international certification are best positioned to lead.

4. The Real “Key”: Sustainability and Animal Welfare

Vietnam’s long-term breakthrough depends not only on export value but also on sustainability and ethical practices, particularly in meeting non-tariff barriers.

• Aquatic Animal Welfare (AAW): Increasingly critical for market access in the US, EU, and Japan.

• Mandatory Practices: Humane methods are required, such as ending eyestalk ablation in broodstock and adopting electric stunning during harvest and slaughter.

• International Standards: Certification under ASC and GlobalGAP Version 6.0, which from 2024 mandates welfare criteria has become essential for competitiveness.

• Long-term Strategy: Enterprises must continue investing in VA products while meeting strict requirements for quality, safety, traceability, and transparency across the supply chain.

Vietnam’s achievement of USD 1 billion in VA shrimp exports in just eight months highlights strong financial progress. However, the true “key to breakthrough” lies beyond volume and advanced processing. It is rooted in sustainable value creation and ethical branding, built on compliance with international animal welfare and traceability standards.

>>>>May you interest: Vietnam shrimp growth maintains strong upward trend in August 2025

5. Meksea – Premium Vietnam Value-Added Shrimp

Meksea – The leading seafood distributor in Vietnam

Meksea proudly supplies premium Vietnamese shrimp with a strong focus on value-added products. From peeled and deveined to cooked, breaded, and ready-to-cook items, our diverse portfolio is processed in modern facilities under strict international standards, ensuring consistent quality, safety, and traceability.

With flexible customization in specifications, packaging, and labeling, we help importers meet market-specific demands while delivering stable supply and timely service. Partnering with Meksea means sourcing authentic Vietnamese shrimp with added value that satisfies both consumer expectations and global business standards.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam  shrimp!

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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