Vietnam seafood exports to China surge in first half of 2026

Vietnam's lobster exports grew 44% year‑on‑year to about US$585 million in the first six months of 2026, with 98.5% of that value shipped to China. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) sees lobster heading toward a billion‑dollar industry and has outlined a national strategy to develop it as a strategic commodity.

Shrimp exports also rose, reaching US$458 million—a 24% increase—while shipments to mainland China jumped 47%, making China the leading growth market and offsetting a 15% decline in sales to the United States. Improvements in border logistics, electronic customs clearance and traceability have helped Vietnamese exporters meet tighter Chinese requirements.