Vietnam’s Lobster Exports maintain exceptional momentum in 2025

Bởi Joy Nguyen - November 26, 2025

MEKSEA.COM – Vietnam’s lobster sector continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the country’s seafood industry. According to Vietnam Customs, lobster exports reached USD 93 million in October 2025, pushing the value for the first ten months to USD 712 million, a remarkable 135% increase year-on-year.

Green Lobster dominates export structure

Green Lobster dominates export structure

Green lobster remains the driving force behind the sector’s growth. By October, this single product accounted for 98% of total export value, reaching USD 700 million – a surge of over 140% compared with the same period of 2024. Other lobster categories showed slight declines, indicating a clear market shift toward green lobster due to its strong demand and stable supply.

China & Hong Kong: The Primary Growth Engine

China and Hong Kong continue to be the key destinations for Vietnam’s lobster exports. Shipments to this market reached USD 702 million in the first ten months, representing almost the entire export value of the sector.

This strong performance reflects rising demand for live green lobster in China, supported by Vietnam’s geographic proximity, efficient logistics for live seafood, and consistent supply from major farming areas. Vietnam has gradually strengthened its position as a reliable supplier in the region, aligning well with consumer preferences and year-round demand cycles.

Market Dynamics & Competitive Landscape

The regional lobster market is undergoing rapid changes, with supply availability, consumer preferences, and logistics efficiency playing increasingly important roles. Vietnam’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to supply large volumes of high-quality live lobster with stable lead times, an element highly valued by buyers in China and other Asian markets.

Painted Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus)

However, exporters are also facing a market environment with increasing competition from other supplying countries and stricter requirements on product quality, documentation, and supply-chain transparency.

Outlook for Late 2025 and Early 2026

Demand from China is expected to remain strong through the end of the year and during the pre-Lunar New Year period. This provides a favorable window for Vietnamese exporters. Still, businesses should remain prepared for changes in China’s inspection protocols, certifications, and traceability rules, which may influence clearance time and overall export flow.

Lobster continues to stand out as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic seafood export items in 2025. To sustain this growth, the industry is focusing on strengthening supply stability, ensuring compliance with market standards, and enhancing its capacity to meet increasingly stringent requirements from major importing markets.

 

Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam

As one of the leading seafood distributors in Vietnam, Meksea has aligned closely with this direction – prioritizing high-quality, responsibly sourced products to meet the growing global demand for sustainable seafood. Through its strong partnerships and deep understanding of international markets, Meksea continues to connect global buyers with the best of Vietnam lobster exports and other premium seafood products. Follow us to get more the Vietnam anchovy export update in the market!

Meksea – The leading seafood distributor in Vietnam 

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnamese shrimp

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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