Vietnam’s aquaculture industry drives US$11 billion seafood export goal for 2025  

VIETNAM – Vietnam’s seafood industry is poised to achieve US$11 billion in export earnings this year, marking a significant milestone not reached since 2022. 

The country’s robust aquaculture sector is central to this ambition, which continues to solidify its reputation as a global leader in farmed seafood production and exports.  

Vietnam’s aquaculture industry has been a cornerstone of its seafood success, positioning the nation as the world’s largest producer and exporter of pangasius and one of the top five shrimp exporters globally. 

In 2022, shrimp and pangasius dominated Vietnam’s seafood exports, contributing US$4.3 billion and US$2.4 billion, respectively—over half of the total seafood export value.  

Recent figures underscore the growing importance of aquaculture in Vietnam’s seafood economy.

 Farmed seafood production in 2023 increased by 4.2% to 3.63 million metric tons, even as marine capture fisheries saw a slight contraction. 

Fish species such as tilapia and common carp remain staples of Vietnam’s aquaculture sector, with molluscs also making significant contributions.  

The Vietnamese government has identified aquaculture as a vital driver of its seafood export ambitions, targeting 106 million tons of aquatic production by 2030. 

This growth is expected to outpace marine capture fisheries and underscore the shift toward sustainable and controlled farming practices.  

The government is prioritising foreign direct investment (FDI) in aquaculture infrastructure to support this expansion.

Modernised farming facilities and practices aim to meet global standards for environmental protection, sustainable production, and food safety. 

These efforts align with Vietnam’s broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the international seafood market.  

The aquaculture sector’s resilience is evident in its ability to weather challenges such as global market fluctuations, trade disputes, and restrictive policies.

With an average annual growth rate of 12.77%, Vietnam has emerged as the fourth-largest aquaculture producer worldwide, according to Tran Dinh Luan, General Director of the Department of Fisheries. 

Between 2018 and 2023, aquaculture production surged by 31%, from 4.1 million tons to 5.4 million tons, while the inland aquaculture area expanded to 1.3 million hectares, complemented by 9.5 million offshore cages.  

Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to dominate the global market, accounting for 13-14% of global shrimp exports and reaching consumers in over 100 countries. 

Meanwhile, pangasius remains a flagship product, with Vietnam holding its position as the world’s largest exporter of this aquaculture staple. 

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