Shrimp exports to China surge

According to data from Vietnam Customs, as of August 15, 2025, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong reached nearly USD 767 million, up 76% year-on-year and accounting for almost 29% of the country’s total shrimp export value. This makes China the fastest-growing market for Vietnamese shrimp this year. In just the first half of August alone, export value hit nearly USD 57 million, representing almost 30% of Vietnam’s total shrimp exports.

In terms of product structure, the “other shrimp” group (including lobster, sand shrimp, etc.) accounted for the dominant share and posted triple-digit growth, particularly in live, fresh, and frozen products. This highlights the strong consumer demand for premium lines such as live lobster. Exports of black tiger shrimp to China also recorded double-digit growth, while whiteleg shrimp saw a decline. However, processed whiteleg shrimp exports rose, reflecting a gradual shift in consumer preferences toward convenient, ready-to-eat products.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in the Chinese market, Vietnamese shrimp has emerged as a complementary option in the premium segment. While Ecuador and India dominate in terms of price and volume, Vietnam is favored for high-quality products, including large-size black tiger shrimp, live lobster, and value-added processed items. This advantage allows Vietnamese shrimp to avoid direct competition with Ecuador in the mass-market segment and opens opportunities to tap into China’s increasingly evident premiumization trend.

VASEP notes that, in the short term, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China are expected to continue growing, especially during major holidays such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, New Year, and Lunar New Year, when demand for seafood and gift-giving surges. Live lobster, large-size black tiger shrimp, and deeply processed whiteleg shrimp will remain the key product lines.

The association recommends that Vietnamese enterprises stay committed to a strategy focused on quality, product diversification, and tapping into the premium segment. At the same time, strict compliance with regulations on quarantine, traceability, and packaging and labeling will be crucial to ensuring a sustainable presence in this market.