As Vietnam’s largest seafood export market, the United States presents both tantalizing opportunities and formidable challenges for Vietnamese fisheries, especially in the shrimp sector. With shifting US trade policies and President Donald Trump’s influence on international commerce, Vietnam’s shrimp exporters are under pressure to remain adaptable and resilient. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has been quick to highlight the necessity of proactive strategies and responsive maneuvering as the best path forward for shrimp exports.

The Market’s Magnetism

For years, the United States has been Vietnam’s top market for seafood exports, with a range of annual revenues between USD 5 million and USD 1.5 million. In 2024 alone, shrimp and other Vietnamese seafood exports to the US have reached USD 2.024 billion by October’s end, marking a slight 1.5% uptick over last year. Such numbers illustrate both steady demand and a dependency on a market that is critical but never fully predictable. VASEP estimates a 19% annual increase in Vietnamese seafood exports to the US in 2015, expected to hit USD 1.85 billion, further underscoring the mutual demand.

Trade Policies and Presidential Pressures

The prospect of Donald Trump’s re-election looms large for Vietnamese shrimp exporters. While political shifts like the US presidential election may not directly shake Vietnam’s seafood trade, the implications of Trump’s trade policies are likely to be felt deeply. A renewed focus on reducing seafood imports from China could, for instance, direct US demand toward alternative suppliers, with Vietnam positioned to benefit. The shrimp sector, in particular, stands to gain from any tightening of US-Chinese trade, as Vietnamese shrimp offers a high-quality alternative that meets increasingly rigorous American food safety standards.

Nevertheless, Vietnamese exporters must brace for heightened protectionist policies. Strict US regulations on food safety and quality under the Trump administration pose hurdles for Vietnamese shrimp, translating to higher production costs and more rigorous inspection processes. This is no small matter for shrimp producers, who must navigate stringent FDA regulations and ensure that their processes from farming to distribution are above reproach.

Competition and Compliance

For Vietnamese shrimp to thrive in the competitive US market, adherence to quality standards is paramount. Vietnamese shrimp exporters must keep pace with rivals from India, Ecuador, and Indonesia, who are also major players in the seafood industry. Competing effectively will require Vietnamese firms to balance high standards with cost-efficiency, a task made trickier by US anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties. While these tariffs have become more favorable for shrimp and pangasius exports in 2024, the risk remains. Firms must be vigilant and strategic to maintain these advantages.

Sustainability as Strategy

American consumers and businesses are increasingly attuned to sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility, making these more than just market trends—they are new market expectations. VASEP advises shrimp producers to adopt globally recognized sustainable practices, such as clean shrimp farming and aquaculture standards that meet GlobalGAP, ASC, and MSC certifications. Sustainable production is not just a means of meeting regulatory requirements but also a strategy to improve brand reputation, foster trust, and appeal to the values of American retailers and consumers alike.

Moreover, transparent communication about the sourcing, production, and quality standards of Vietnamese shrimp will be crucial. US retailers and distributors value clarity on raw material origins, production processes, and sustainable practices. Vietnamese shrimp companies can gain a competitive edge by maintaining transparency, a key factor in building trust and securing partnerships in the highly competitive American seafood market.