According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s lobster exports to China surged by 105% in the first two months of 2025, even after the peak shopping season for the Lunar New Year had passed.
Mainland China and Hong Kong (China) remain the largest import markets for Vietnamese lobsters.
In the first two months of 2025, China’s total lobster imports reached USD 204 million, accounting for 34% of Vietnam’s total seafood export value, and representing a 150% increase year-on-year.
Chinese Demand for Lobsters Remains Strong
Lobster imports to China continued to grow in early 2025.
In January 2025, import volumes spiked due to high consumer demand during the Lunar New Year, and the strong trend persisted into February.
Meanwhile, imports of white-leg shrimp and black tiger shrimp have yet to recover significantly, following a decline in late 2024.
Despite lower import volumes overall, shrimp still accounted for 24% of China’s total seafood imports by volume and 41% by value. Shrimp remains the most popular seafood item across major online shopping platforms in China.
Consumers in affluent cities such as Beijing and Shanghai tend to consume more shrimp and lobster than those in other regions.
Vietnam’s Shrimp Exports to the U.S. Face Tariff Challenges
On another note, Vietnam’s seafood exports to the U.S. are being affected by new trade and tariff policies under the administration of President Donald Trump.
In the first two months of 2025, shrimp exports to the U.S. reached USD 77 million, up 7% year-on-year. However, this growth rate is the lowest among Vietnam’s major shrimp export markets.
VASEP noted that U.S. consumers remain cautious due to uncertainty surrounding import tariffs, which could raise seafood prices, including shrimp. Combined with high inflation, this has led to reduced consumer spending on seafood products.
Analysts forecast that shrimp consumption in the U.S. may continue to face challenges in the short term.