The Rise of Vietnamese Lobsters and Shrimp in China’s Market
Việt Nam’s seafood export sector is currently experiencing a significant boom, particularly in the lobster and large tiger prawn categories. This surge in popularity is primarily driven by Chinese consumers who are increasingly seeking premium seafood products. As a result, Vietnamese exporters have achieved remarkable earnings, with exports nearing $767 million to China by mid-August 2025, a notable increase driven by rising consumer demand.
Impressive Export Growth
According to preliminary data from Việt Nam’s Customs Department, shrimp exports to China, including Hong Kong, saw an astounding 76% increase compared to the same period last year. This impressive growth reflects the existing demand for high-quality seafood products, with China accounting for nearly 29% of Việt Nam’s total shrimp export turnover. For context, just in the first half of August alone, export value to the northern neighbor hit nearly $57 million, showcasing the upward trend.
Insights from VASEP
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has reported a staggering triple-digit growth for fresh and frozen lobsters during this period. This indicates not only an expanding market but also a shift towards premium products among Chinese consumers. While black tiger shrimp also experienced double-digit growth, whiteleg shrimp exports unfortunately faced a downturn.
Chinese Import Dynamics
Analyzing the broader context, data from Chinese customs reveals some intriguing trends. In the first seven months of 2025, China imported 519,000 tonnes of frozen warm water shrimp, which represents a 2% decrease from the previous year. Despite this, the import value rose by 7% to $2.73 billion due to an increase in average prices—up 9% to about $5.25 per kilogram. Interestingly, July marked a resurgence with imports peaking at over 90,000 tonnes, the highest monthly volume recorded since the beginning of 2024. This spike indicates a notable recovery in demand following a period of stagnation.
Competitive Landscape
Ecuador has continued to occupy a dominant position in the Chinese shrimp market, supplying around 75% of the total imports. Conversely, shrimp imports from India have seen a significant decrease, totaling only 76,000 tonnes. This decline presents an opportunity for Vietnamese shrimp to carve out a niche in the high-end market segment, gaining traction among Chinese consumers who prioritize quality.
Vietnamese Seafood’s Unique Proposition
VASEP points out that while competitors like Ecuador and India enjoy advantages in terms of pricing and supply, Vietnamese products are gaining favor thanks to their quality. The large black tiger shrimp, live lobsters, and value-added processed seafood products are increasingly seen as premium options. This trend enables Vietnamese exporters to differentiate themselves from Ecuador’s more affordable offerings, thus avoiding direct competition in the mainstream market.
Seasonal Opportunities for Growth
Looking to the immediate future, Vietnamese shrimp exports to China are poised for continued growth, especially around significant cultural events such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, New Year, and Lunar New Year. During these festive times, there is typically a spike in demand for gifts and premium seafood items. Live lobsters and large black tiger shrimp, in particular, are predicted to play key roles in capitalizing on this seasonal surge.
Strategic Focus for the Medium Term
However, it’s essential to consider the medium-term challenges. China’s increasing domestic aquaculture output may pose risks to import volumes, and strong competition from Ecuador and India remains a strong hurdle. VASEP emphasizes that Vietnamese shrimp exporters should maintain a focus on quality, diversity in product offerings, and innovation tailored for the high-end market segment to secure their competitive edge.
This vibrant industry is set for dynamic growth, reflecting both changing consumer trends and the unique capabilities of Vietnamese exporters. As they navigate the complexities of international markets, these exporters stand at the forefront of a seafood renaissance that marries quality with consumer demand.