According to data from the Customs Department, Vietnam's seafood imports from Canada have seen continuous growth over the past three years. Turnover increased from 44 million USD in 2023 to 49 million USD in 2024 and 61 million USD in 2025, representing an increase of nearly 40% in just two years. This upward trend continues into 2026, with imports reaching 43,2 million USD in the first eight months, a 28,2% increase compared to the same period last year.

The primary driver behind this surge is the competitive pricing and stable quality of Canadian seafood, which has resonated with Vietnamese consumers. Tran Van Truong, General Director of Hai San Hoang Gia, stated that stable and competitive prices enable Canadian seafood to access a broader customer base. He added that certain products benefiting from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) enjoy a 0% import tax, further reducing costs upon entering Vietnam.

These competitive prices are evident in the market. For instance, Canadian lobster weighing 500-600 grams typically sells for around 950.000-1,1 million VND per kg, while larger lobsters (one kg and above) are priced at approximately 1,3-1,4 million VND. This is significantly lower than Australian lobster, which costs about 3,5 million VND per kg, and even domestic green lobster, priced at roughly 1,5 million VND. Similarly, live Canadian snow crab is available for about 1,4-1,5 million VND per kg, making it approximately 30% cheaper than some other imported crab varieties. Canadian oysters are priced at over 400.000 VND per kg, while certain French oyster types can cost up to one million VND.

These products are increasingly popular in Vietnamese seafood stores. A manager at a store on Ly Tu Trong street, Ben Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City, noted that Canadian snow crab, lobster, and oysters are fast-selling items, with other Canadian seafood products also gaining traction.

The growing demand in Vietnam aligns with the strategic efforts of Nova Scotia's seafood businesses. This eastern Canadian province is a leading seafood exporter in Canada, and its enterprises are actively seeking new market opportunities. While live lobster exports from the province saw a 19% decrease, lobster remained Nova Scotia's main export, accounting for over half of its total seafood turnover in 2025.

Canadian lobster for sale at a seafood store on Ly Tu Trong street, Ben Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo by Thi Ha*

Jason Hollett, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries for Nova Scotia, emphasized Vietnam's importance. Speaking to VnExpress during a trade delegation visit to Vietnam in September, Hollett stated that Vietnam is currently the province's seventh-largest seafood export market. Nova Scotia was Canada's largest seafood exporter in 2025, with its premium seafood products contributing 29% of Canada's total seafood export value globally.

Snow crab constitutes Nova Scotia's largest seafood export to Vietnam by volume, valued at approximately 35 million CAD (25,3 million USD) in 2025. Lobster exports to Vietnam reached about 8 million CAD (5,8 million USD) in the same year.

By Thi Ha