In the first half of 2026, Vietnam's shrimp exports faced numerous challenges, from price competition among leading shrimp producing and exporting countries to rising production costs and a sharp decline in the US market. Against this backdrop, lobster exports continued to be a bright spot, especially exports to the Chinese market.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), in the first five months of 2026, lobster exports to China reached over $506 million, an increase of 44.3% compared to the same period in 2025. Lobster accounted for more than 71% of the total shrimp export value to China in those five months.
The success of lobster exports to China in the first half of this year is largely based on the anticipated surge in growth in 2025.
In 2025, Vietnam's lobster exports to China achieved triple-digit growth, reaching a record high of $845 million. The Chinese market accounted for almost all of Vietnam's lobster export revenue to all markets ($858 million).
With this explosive growth, lobster has become the main driver helping Vietnam's shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong reach a record high of over $1.2 billion in 2025, a 55% increase compared to 2024. As a result, China continues to be the largest market for Vietnamese shrimp for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025).
With double-digit growth in the first five months of the year, China will continue to be the number one destination for Vietnamese lobster in 2025. Demand for seafood in China remains high, especially for fresh and premium seafood products, including lobster.
In China, lobster is consumed in restaurants, hotels, at banquets, or given as high-value gifts.
Currently, the main suppliers of lobster to China are Vietnam, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and others. Compared to other lobster exporting countries to China, Vietnam has a significant geographical advantage. Sharing a border with China allows for the faster and more flexible transportation of live lobsters from Vietnam to this market compared to other sources.
In particular, Vietnamese green lobsters, with their small to medium size and competitive price, can turn red during cooking, making them very suitable for the needs and tastes of Chinese consumers (who prefer red-colored food). This is also currently the main type of lobster exported to the Chinese market.
Lobster exports to China continue to grow at a high rate, playing a crucial role in maintaining double-digit growth in overall shrimp exports to this market. In the first five months of this year, shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong reached over $711 million, a 46% increase compared to the same period in 2015 and accounting for nearly 38% of the country's total shrimp export value.
According to Ms. Le Hang, Deputy General Secretary of VASEP, the demand for fresh seafood in the Chinese market is very high, especially for seafood such as lobster, clams, and abalone... Therefore, lobster exports to China in 2026 could reach 1 billion USD.
Despite facing fierce competition from other suppliers, Vietnam's lobster exports to China still have promising growth prospects in the coming period.
First of all, China's demand for lobster imports continues to trend upwards. In 2017, China's lobster import value was $1.2 billion, and by 2025 it is expected to reach nearly $3.9 billion. With this figure, China is the world's largest lobster import market and is leading the global lobster market.
A particularly noteworthy characteristic of the Chinese market is its preference for live lobsters over frozen or processed lobsters. This factor will continue to be a significant advantage for Vietnamese lobsters due to short shipping times, flexible supply of fresh products, and products that suit the tastes of the Chinese market.
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(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
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