In 2022, Vietnam’s lobster exports to China reached over 257 million USD, an increase of 8.3 times compared to 2021. Vietnamese lobster exports to China in 2022 increased sharply thanks to rising Chinese consumer demand due to several years earlier, the Chinese market closed due to the Covid pandemic. In 2021, the Chinese lobster market was almost "frozen" because of the Covid epidemic, so in 2022, supply decreased, causing this market to boost imports for domestic consumption and export processing.
In addition, on April 27, 2022, Thanh Nhon General Trading And Seafood Company Limited (Ho Chi Minh City) signed a contract to officially export live lobster products to Kunming City with the amount of capacity of 2,000 tons, implemented until April 2023. This is the largest official lobster export contract ever for a domestic enterprise.
In 2021, Vietnamese lobster exports to China reached 31 million USD, down 80% compared to 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, China implemented a zero COVID policy, causing many factories in the country to close and production to stagnate.
According to data from China Customs, in the first 7 months of this year, China's lobster imports reached 32,358 tons, worth over 962 million USD, an increase of 19% in volume and 1% in value over the same period last year.
The largest lobster suppliers to China include Canada, the US, New Zealand, Cuba, India, Brazil, Mexico... Vietnam ranks 14th in lobster supply to China, accounting for a small market share of 1%. Vietnamese lobster products exported to China include fresh, live rock lobsters, Ornate spiny lobster and green lobster.
Currently, lobster consumption is mainly exported to the Chinese market via unofficial channels. Lobster farmers always face many risks when prices fluctuate erratically, being pressured by traders... Meanwhile, informal exports are becoming increasingly narrow as China is gradually applying strict conditions on imports of fishery products. To ensure convenience in the future, officially exporting lobster is very necessary. To do so, it is urgent to create links between production, purchasing and export of lobsters associated with traceability.
To successfully build linked models, the fisheries industry will focus on supporting relevant parties participating in the chain to access support policies; guide the transfer of scientific and technological advances in aquaculture; Implement well the planning of concentrated aquaculture areas to develop raw material areas; Create favorable conditions for purchasing and exporting units to connect with lobster farmers.
Farmers need to focus on taking care and closely monitoring market developments, stocking at moderate density and in accordance with planning, and fully register and declare with state management agencies.
Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had a project to develop lobster farming and export by 2025, with total farming output reaching 3,000 tons a year and export turnover reaching 200 million USD a year. The largest lobster producing provinces in the country are Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, and Kien Giang.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of Vietfish 2026, the International Seafood Hosted Buyer Program has been designed as a dedicated B2B matchmaking initiative for selected international buyers. The program provides opportunities to meet directly with Vietnamese seafood companies, gain market insights, and experience Vietnam's seafood supply chain firsthand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) A Story from Cà Mau’s Coast It’s 5 AM in Cà Mau. Minh, a third-generation fisherman, is ready to set sail. But unlike his father and grandfather, his boat no longer runs on an old diesel engine that burns fuel and clouds the sky with smoke. Instead, it’s powered by a hybrid engine that saves 40% fuel—funded by an ESG program from a major seafood exporter.
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