Vietnam shrimp exports to China hit $1-billion high on premium demand
Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China surged to record levels in 2025, driven by rising demand for premium products and strong performance in high-value segments such as lobster and black tiger shrimp.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China reached 123,000 tons in volume and US$1.24 billion in value in 2025, representing increases of 48.4% and 63.3% year on year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
A shrimp processing facility operated by Minh Phu Seafood Corporation in Ca Mau Province. Photo: VGP
China became the first market where Vietnam’s shrimp exports exceeded $1 billion and remained the country’s largest shrimp export destination for a second year.
The association said Vietnam’s total shrimp export revenue in 2025 reached a record $4.6 billion, up 20% from 2024. Shrimp continued to serve as the flagship product of the Vietnamese seafood industry.
Chinese customs data showed that China’s shrimp import value rose 10% year on year to about $4.3 billion during January-October, while import volume increased by only 1%.
This divergence signals a clear shift in consumer behavior, with Chinese buyers increasingly willing to pay higher prices for premium shrimp and deeply processed products, lifting average import values.
This shift directly drove the sharp rise in Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China. Lobster emerged as the leading product, accounting for most shipments.
During January-October of 2025, lobster exports to China and Hong Kong reached $702 million, more than doubling from a year earlier and accounting for nearly all of Vietnam’s total lobster export turnover of $712 million.
Black tiger shrimp ranked second among export items. Vietnam continues to hold a strong competitive advantage in this segment in the China–Hong Kong market, which remains the largest destination for Vietnamese black tiger shrimp.
Positioned in the premium segment, black tiger shrimp mainly serve hotels, restaurants, catering services and high-end consumers that demand consistent quality and large sizes.
Looking ahead to 2026, the association struck a more cautious tone. Export activity in the first quarter may face pressure from US tax policies, intensifying competition in China and elevated domestic production costs.
The outlook remains positive if Vietnamese exporters further diversify into markets under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the European Union and the Middle East, while continuing to expand value-added products.
Under these conditions, Vietnam’s shrimp exports are expected to sustain growth momentum in 2026, the association said.
