New U.S. Tariffs Impact Vietnam Shrimp Exports to the United States

In the first five months of 2025, the United States imported 340,955 tons of shrimp, valued at $2.84 billion, representing a 15% increase in import volume and a 24% increase in import value compared to the same period last year.

Despite growing uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies, this trend marks the seventh consecutive month of growth in U.S. shrimp imports.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) noted that a 10% reciprocal tariff applicable to most imported goods, including shrimp, took effect on April 5, 2025.

Nevertheless, shrimp import volumes remained strong, particularly in April, with import volume and value increasing by 38% and 47% year-on-year. May saw a slowdown in growth (2% volume increase and 11% value increase), with the U.S. importing 65,044 tons of shrimp, totaling $538 million.

Robust import activity appears to be driven by exporters' strategic pre-shipping efforts ahead of the anticipated tariff implementation on July 9.

Specifically for Vietnam, President Trump announced via social media on July 2 that Vietnamese goods entering the U.S. would face a 20% tariff, with transit goods potentially facing a 40% tariff. However, this statement is still pending official documentation from the U.S. government.

In the first five months of the year, Vietnam's peeled frozen shrimp exports to the U.S. reached 173,209 tons, a 21% increase, with May's monthly export at 35,357 tons (a 13% increase). In contrast, shell-on shrimp saw a sharp 52% growth in April, followed by a 12% decline in May, stabilizing at 15,960 tons.

Cooked and boiled shrimp exports grew 25% to 51,138 tons, with May's growth slowing to 3%; breaded shrimp exports faced challenges, declining 15% in May.

Exporting countries are accelerating shipments to avoid anticipated tariffs, while U.S. importers remain cautious amid ongoing price and policy fluctuations.

By origin, Indian shrimp maintained its leading position in the U.