Vietnam’s Lobster Industry Gains Strong Momentum Toward Global Growth

Lobster Becomes One of Vietnam’s Fastest-Growing Seafood Exports

During the first half of 2026, Vietnam exported approximately US$585 million worth of lobster, representing a remarkable 44.3% year-on-year increase. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), lobster now contributes more than 10% of Vietnam’s total seafood export value and nearly one-quarter of the country’s combined shrimp and lobster exports.

The industry's growth has been particularly impressive over the past few years. While shrimp continues to dominate Vietnam’s seafood exports, lobster has rapidly climbed the rankings, overtaking black tiger shrimp to become the country’s second most valuable seafood export after white-leg shrimp. This transformation reflects both strong international demand and Vietnam’s growing production capacity.

China remains the dominant destination for Vietnamese lobster, accounting for almost all export value. In 2025, lobster exports reached around US$858 million, with China representing more than 98% of total shipments. This trend has continued into 2026, underscoring the country's role as Vietnam’s largest and most strategic market for live lobster.

(Source: VASEP)

Competitive Advantages Create New Opportunities

Vietnam’s lobster industry benefits from several natural and logistical advantages that support its rapid growth. Its close geographical proximity to China allows exporters to transport live lobster more efficiently, reducing delivery times while maintaining product freshness and quality. Lower transportation costs also improve price competitiveness compared with suppliers located farther away. At the same time, Vietnamese lobster has established a strong reputation among restaurants and premium seafood distributors, particularly in China's mid- and high-end dining sector, where demand for live seafood continues to grow.

Global market conditions have also created favorable opportunities. Ongoing shifts in international trade, changing tariff policies, and increasing competition among traditional lobster exporters such as Canada, the United States, and Australia have opened additional space for Vietnam to strengthen its position in the global marketplace. These factors, combined with rising consumer demand for premium seafood, provide a solid foundation for Vietnam to expand its lobster exports beyond current levels.

Building a Sustainable Billion-Dollar Industry

Industry experts believe Vietnam’s lobster sector has the potential to become the country's next billion-dollar seafood industry. Achieving this goal, however, will require long-term planning alongside continued improvements in quality, production management, and market development.

With strong export performance, growing international demand, and continued investment across the value chain, Vietnam's lobster industry is well positioned to become one of the country's most dynamic seafood success stories. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and market diversification, the industry has every opportunity to strengthen its global competitiveness and move closer to its ambition of becoming a billion-dollar export powerhouse.

References: VASEP, VnEconomy