Shrimp exports to China double in four months
Triple-digit growth in Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China is largely driven by a sharp increase in lobster sales to the market.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), China and Hong Kong became Vietnam’s largest shrimp export markets in the first four months of 2025, with a total export value of USD 389 million, up 103% year-on-year. This accounted for nearly 30% of Vietnam’s total shrimp exports.
The remarkable growth was fueled primarily by a surge in lobster exports from Vietnam to China.
Recently, China introduced its 2025 – 2030 Guidelines for Food and Nutrition Development, which emphasize improving dietary quality through the increased consumption of protein-rich foods.
The new guidelines not only underscore the importance of protein but also propose policies to boost fish and seafood consumption, including incorporating these items into school meal programs. According to VASEP, this shift could significantly boost seafood demand, including shrimp, in the Chinese market. Over the long term, moderately priced seafood products such as pangasius and small- to medium-sized shrimp are expected to see increased imports.
In 2023, China imported a record 4.67 million tons of seafood, and maintained high import volumes in 2024 at 4.5 million tons. Specifically, China was the world’s largest shrimp importer, with over 1.10 million tons in 2023 and more than 1 million tons in 2024.
However, in the short term, VASEP notes that demand for frozen warm-water shrimp in China has shown signs of slowing, even from the country’s two largest suppliers, Ecuador and India.
According to Chinese customs data, the total volume of frozen warm-water shrimp imported into China in April 2025 reached 70,067 tons, valued at USD 356 million, up 5% in volume and 6% in value compared to the same month last year.
In the first four months of 2025, China imported 269,689 tons of shrimp worth USD 1.45 billion, a 9% decline in volume but a 1% increase in value compared to the same period in 2024. The average import price rose 11% to USD 5.36 per kilogram.
This trend is attributed to China’s sluggish economy, a sharp increase in domestic shrimp production, and intensified competition from other popular seafood options in Chinese cuisine. Chinese consumer behavior has also become more volatile and sensitive to macroeconomic pressures.
VFM
