Growth drivers

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the EU is not only a potential market, but also possesses a diverse consumer ecosystem, from popular to high-end. European consumers tend to favor seafood, especially shrimp. In particular, convenient, pre-processed and reasonably priced products are increasingly popular.

Statistics in the first quarter of 2025 show that Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU market will reach more than 107 million USD, an increase of 33% over the same period in 2024.

The average export price of whiteleg shrimp to the EU remained stable at USD 7.6/kg, while that of black tiger shrimp recorded a slight increase, reaching USD 10.9/kg in March – reflecting improved demand and room for growth in the high-end segment.

Processed shrimp currently accounts for about 42–45% of total exports, while raw shrimp accounts for about 55–58%. This is evidence of a strong shift in consumption trends towards products with high added value.

Whiteleg shrimp continued to play a key role, with export turnover reaching 87 million USD, accounting for 81% of the total value, up 31% over the same period last year. Tiger shrimp - the second main item, reached nearly 10 million USD, up 14%. Notably, Vietnam is currently the second largest exporter of tiger shrimp to the EU market - a strategic advantage that needs to be fully exploited.

The other shrimp group reached 10 million USD, a sharp increase of 79%, with a breakthrough increase in both processed products (up 77%) and live/fresh frozen products (up 136%). This shows that the trend of product diversification is highly appreciated by the EU market.

Most major markets in the EU recorded positive growth in the first quarter of 2025. Of which, exports to Germany reached 28 million USD, Belgium 23 million USD, the Netherlands 21 million USD, France 8 million USD with increases of 38%, 59%, 19%, 39% respectively.

"The growth momentum comes from recovering demand in Europe, the proactiveness of Vietnamese enterprises in diversifying products, as well as effectively taking advantage of tariff incentives from the EVFTA agreement," VASEP commented.

Growth Strategy in the EU

Thus, the first quarter of 2025 witnessed the strong return of Vietnamese shrimp to the EU market with stable growth in volume, price and product segment.

VASEP believes that Vietnamese businesses with a well-planned strategy can see this as an opportunity to diversify their markets in the face of US tariff policies.

However, to take advantage of competitive advantages and expand market share in the EU, Vietnamese enterprises need to have a strategy to upgrade production and processing capacity; invest in modern technology, increase the proportion of deep processing. Develop ready-to-use processed product lines with traditional Vietnamese flavors. Expand international standard farming areas to increase access to large retail chains.

In addition, businesses need to set up bonded warehouses in logistics center countries; connect directly with distributors and supermarkets in the EU to shorten the supply chain. Taking advantage of online channels such as business websites, digital marketing, social networks to reach new customers... is also something businesses need to pay attention to.

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/kinh-doanh/xuat-khau-tom-sang-eu-khoi-sac/20250429041143781