Vietnam's shrimp exports surge as firms rush to fulfill US orders before tariff deadline

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp exports in April were estimated at US$350 million, up 24 percent from the same period last year.

From January through April, the total export turnover reached nearly $1.3 billion, marking a 35-percent increase.

In April, the average export price for white-leg shrimp to the U.S. was $10.9 per kilogram, while black tiger shrimp fetched $17.7 per kilogram, according to VASEP.

These prices are considered more stable than those offered by other markets.

The strong export performance is reflected in the financial results of major seafood firms.

Minh Phu Seafood Corp, headquartered in the southernmost province of Ca Mau, reported a net profit for the parent company of over VND72 billion ($2.8 million) in the first quarter of 2025 – nearly triple the figure from the same period last year.

Company leaders attributed the improvement to a sharp increase in large orders placed at competitive prices.

Besides, the demand for fast production and shipping to the U.S. has intensified.

VASEP experts noted that from April 15 to May 20, seafood processors in India and Southeast Asia must expedite deliveries to ensure their shipments arrive in the U.S. before July 9 – the deadline to avoid possibly higher tariffs imposed by the U.S. government.

On April 3, the U.S. administration announced a reciprocal 46-percent tariff on imports from Vietnam as part of its broader trade policy targeting countries with trade surpluses with the U.S..

The measure was originally set to take effect on April 9 but was delayed for 90 days, until July 9, by President Donald Trump to allow time for trade negotiations.

In this context, Ho Quoc Luc, chairman of Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company based in Soc Trang City, southern Vietnam, said the company has recently ramped up exports to the U.S. to sustain jobs and ensure stable revenue.

From the beginning of the year through mid-May, Sao Ta’s shrimp exports to the U.S. totaled around $60 million, equivalent to nearly 75 percent of its full-year revenue from this market in 2024.