Thanks to a surge in demand from China, Vietnam earned nearly VND6.812 trillion (US$309 million) from lobster exports in just the first two months of this year, reaffirming the product’s status as a “luxury seafood” in global markets.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), China continued to be the largest export market for Vietnamese shrimp during the period.

In February alone, shrimp export turnover to China reached US$168 million, up 131 percent compared to the same period last year. In the first two months of the year, total shrimp exports to China, including Hong Kong, reached US$309 million, up 58 percent and accounting for 45 percent of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value.

VASEP noted that the strong growth of lobster exports helps explain the overall surge in shrimp export turnover to China.

Within two months, Vietnam generated US$259 million from exporting this high-end seafood, marking a 65 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Of this, green lobster exports reached US$206 million, up 32 percent year-on-year. Ornate spiny lobster brought in nearly US$1.3 million, rising 43 percent, while other lobster varieties recorded US$52 million in export value, a dramatic increase of 6,138 percent.

China remains the dominant buyer, absorbing nearly all of Vietnam’s lobster exports.

The association emphasized that China is a major consumption market for fresh, high-value seafood, particularly in the period surrounding the Lunar New Year. As demand in this market continues to recover strongly, lobster has emerged as a new growth driver, complementing the traditional role of whiteleg shrimp.

In 2025, lobster exports to China also saw a sharp increase, reaching US$845 million, compared to US$363.5 million in 2024.

According to Le Hang, Deputy Secretary General of VASEP, Chinese consumers are increasingly favoring high-quality seafood that is safe and traceable, while also being willing to pay premium prices for unique culinary experiences.

Notably, demand is shifting away from low-cost frozen shrimp toward higher-end segments such as large-sized shrimp, live or fresh lobster, and processed products tailored for restaurants and hotels.

This shift in consumption trends is providing a strong boost for Vietnam’s lobster industry, which is widely recognized for its quality and well suited to the premium segment.

 
Tam An