Fishery output up 2.8% in q1/2025, aquaculture remains key growth driver

In March 2025 alone, fishery output is estimated at 750.5 thousand tons, up 3.5% year-on-year. Fish accounted for 558.1 thousand tons (up 3.4%), shrimp 77.3 thousand tons (up 5.0%), and other products 115.1 thousand tons (up 2.7%).

Aquaculture continues to play a central role in the sector’s growth. In March, farmed fishery output was estimated at 421.4 thousand tons, up 5.3% year-on-year. This includes 306.4 thousand tons of fish (up 5.5%), 65.2 thousand tons of shrimp (up 5.7%), and 49.8 thousand tons of other species (up 3.3%).

For the first quarter as a whole, aquaculture production reached 1,113.6 thousand tons, marking a 5.1% increase over the same period last year. Several provinces posted impressive growth in aquaculture output: Khanh Hoa (up 13.4%), Phu Yen (12.4%), Bac Lieu (12.2%), Ninh Thuan (11.9%), Soc Trang (11.6%), Dong Thap (10.9%), and Long An (9.2%).

Notably, pangasius output increased as raw material prices rose and exports to major markets such as the U.S. and Europe expanded. In March alone, pangasius production was estimated at 155.8 thousand tons, up 4.5% year-on-year.

Whiteleg shrimp also saw a significant rise in output, reaching 42.8 thousand tons (up 6.8%), thanks to large-scale harvesting and the success of super-intensive farming models. Black tiger shrimp output reached 18.5 thousand tons, up 3.7%.

In the fishing sector, output in March 2025 was estimated at 329.1 thousand tons, up 1.2% year-on-year. This included 251.7 thousand tons of fish (up 1.0%), 12.1 thousand tons of shrimp (up 1.6%), and 65.3 thousand tons of other fishery products (up 2.2%). Marine capture accounted for the majority, with 314.8 thousand tons (up 1.4%).

Cumulatively for Q1/2025, capture fisheries output reached 879.8 thousand tons, a slight increase of 0.1% year-on-year. Fish output held steady at 673.6 thousand tons, shrimp rose slightly to 32.4 thousand tons (up 0.1%), and other products reached 173.8 thousand tons (up 0.8%).

Directions: Boosting domestic consumption and export

To meet growth targets, the fishery industry needs to further stimulate domestic consumption, particularly through modern distribution channels and e-commerce platforms. Trade promotion programs and supply-demand connection activities should be enhanced to expand the local market.

At the same time, exports remain a crucial pillar. The sector should take full advantage of signed trade agreements to expand its presence in major markets such as the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Removing trade barriers and supporting enterprises in meeting international standards will be key.

Additionally, facilitating access to finance, encouraging technological innovation, and improving the value-added of products are essential measures to increase competitiveness and drive export growth in the coming period.