Canadian lobsters are increasingly gaining favor among Vietnamese consumers, primarily due to their affordability compared to Australian lobsters and some local varieties. Hoa, a HCMC resident and a frequent seafood consumer, shared her recent preference for Canadian lobsters, citing their reasonable pricing, freshness, and high quality.
Canadian Lobsters: A Budget-Friendly Option
Seafood markets in HCMC offer Canadian lobsters, each weighing between 500 and 600 grams, at prices ranging from VND950,000 to VND1.1 million per kilogram (equivalent to US$36-42 per kilogram). Larger lobsters, weighing one kilogram or more, are priced around VND1.3-1.4 million per kilogram. These prices reflect a decrease of 5-10% compared to the previous year.
In comparison, Australian lobsters are priced at VND3.5 million per kilogram, Vietnamese spiny lobsters near VND3 million, and local rock lobsters around VND1.5 million. The attractive pricing of Canadian lobsters has led to a surge in their imports. Data from Vietnam Customs indicates that Vietnam imported seafood worth approximately $34 million from Canada in the first seven months of the year, marking an increase of 42% compared to the same period last year. Lobsters accounted for almost 60-65% of this total import value.
Rising Demand for Canadian Lobsters
Canadian lobsters are not only gaining popularity due to their affordability, but also their versatility and accessibility. An increasing number of businesses, supermarkets, and online platforms are offering these lobsters, further widening their consumer base. Many restaurants and eateries now include Canadian lobsters in their seafood platters, making it possible for groups and families to enjoy lobsters without excessive expenditure.
Tran Van Truong, CEO of seafood chain Hai San Hoang Gia, pinpoints price as a key factor driving the growing demand for Canadian lobsters. He reported a double-digit year-on-year increase in his company’s imports of Canadian lobsters for the first seven months of this year. Truong also highlighted the seasonal advantage of Canadian lobsters, which are abundantly available from July to September. While these lobsters may not match the quality of Vietnamese lobsters, they have a robust supply chain and exhibit good survival rates, ensuring minimal losses during transport and storage.
Additional factors contributing to the lower prices of Canadian lobsters include import tariffs. Canadian lobsters that fulfill the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership requirements attract a 0% tariff when imported into Vietnam.
Canada, the world’s largest lobster exporter, recorded the highest export of any fisheries items in 2025 at 79,380 tons of lobsters valued at $3.01 billion, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Questions & Answers
Why are Canadian lobsters becoming popular in Vietnam?
Their popularity is largely attributed to their affordability compared to other varieties. They’re also versatile and increasingly accessible through various outlets, including online platforms.
What factors contribute to the lower price of Canadian lobsters?
Factors include a robust supply chain, good survival rates which minimize losses during transport and storage, and a favorable import tariff of 0% when they meet the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership requirements.
How does the quality of Canadian lobsters compare to other varieties?
While the quality of Canadian lobsters may not match that of Vietnamese lobsters, they offer a satisfying taste and texture, making them a value-for-money choice among consumers.
