According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam's lobster exports continued to increase sharply in October 2025, reaching 93 million USD, up 75% over the same period last year. Strong growth since the beginning of the year has brought the 10-month turnover to 712 million USD, up 135% over the same period in 2024, a rare increase for a single seafood group.
In the product structure, green lobster still plays a key role, accounting for 98% of the total turnover, reaching 700 million USD and increasing 141% after 10 months. In contrast, spiny lobster and other types of lobster decreased slightly by 22% and 1% respectively, showing that the market is focusing on the type of shrimp with the highest demand.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), China and Hong Kong (China) continue to be the most important growth drivers of the Vietnamese lobster industry.
In the 10 months, exports to this market reached 702 million USD, up 135% and accounting for almost the entire turnover of the industry. This growth momentum continues the boom period from 2024, when export turnover to China increased from 141 million USD in 2023 to 404 million USD in 2024, equivalent to 186%.
In this large import market, the competitive landscape is changing rapidly. According to reference data, China imported nearly 49,900 tons of lobster in the first three quarters of the year, up 13%. However, imports from Canada fell 39% due to a total tariff burden of 32%, while US lobsters fell 10% due to a 17% tariff and increased competitive pressure.
In contrast, Vietnam emerged as the biggest beneficiary as China imported more than 17,365 tons of Vietnamese lobsters, nearly three times the same period last year and worth US$556 million.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) assessed that tariff advantages are a decisive factor. Vietnamese lobsters are not subject to retaliatory tariffs like those in Canada and the United States, making their prices significantly more competitive. The close geographical proximity provides a major advantage in transporting live products, helping to reduce losses and costs.
In addition, Chinese consumer demand is shifting strongly to blue lobsters, a segment that Vietnam has abundant supply of. Another factor is that large lobster farming areas have recovered well in recent years, creating a foundation for Vietnam to meet the strong demand from the market.
However, according to VASEP, lobster exports next year may be affected after historic floods caused major damage to farming areas in the former Phu Yen province.
Forecasts from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) show that lobster exporting enterprises are unlikely to be greatly affected by damage to the Xuan Dai Bay farming area in the former Phu Yen province due to the recent flood, thanks to the supply of goods for year-end contracts having been prepared in advance.
However, in the medium term, damage to the region’s upcoming lobster harvest could significantly reduce supply in early 2026, creating price volatility and affecting the ability to maintain export growth.
The Xuan Dai Bay area has more than 27,000 lobster cages, making it one of the most important supplying areas in the country for the industry. Last week’s historic flood caused mass lobster deaths due to freshwater shock.
As of November 24, 22,491 cages, equivalent to 80% of the output of Xuan Dai ward, suffered a loss of VND610 billion. Along with that, more than 95% of the output, equivalent to 21 million lobsters, in Song Cau ward died, causing a loss of nearly VND2,500 billion.
VASEP said many households lost almost all of their cages and had to sell them at a discount of more than half due to a lack of ice for preservation.
Source: https://vtv.vn/xuat-khau-tom-hum-viet-nam-10-thang-dat-ky-luc-712-trieu-usd-100251128063112892.htm
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