Tran Yen lost nearly VND300 million (US$19,000) in his first attempt to raise freshwater salmon, a highly prized gourmet fish. In his first year of operation, 3,000 young fish unexpectedly died. Despite his lack of experience, Yen was determined to continue. The 54-year-old was the first farmer to try this business in northern After seeing salmon farming in Sapa, 20km from his home province, Yen was convinced of the potential of fish farming. "Most farmers in the area were involved in forestry and raised cattle, which earned them about VND30-40 million ($1,800-2,500) per year. I wanted to try something more profitable, and thought that fish farming was suitable, as we have a good climate and cheap labour in With an initial loan of VND100 million ($6,200) from the Lai Chau Social Policy Bank, Yen started building reservoirs and buying fish fry in late 2005. However, it was not all smooth sailing for Yen, "My first 3,000 fish died due to unusually hot weather and my lack of experience," he says. "Salmon are temperamental fish and require water to be between 18-20 degree Celsius – and fish feed must be imported from "It was my first time fish farming. I learnt from books, friends and training courses, but that was not enough, I had to explore other techniques," he said, and added "Weather conditions, water quality, and fish feed are the main factors in whether or not you can successfully raise salmon. After my first failure, I went to His efforts paid off, in 2007, Yen raised 40 tonnes of salmon, earning VND6billion ($375,000). Yen expects to produce between 80-90 tonnes this year, doubling profits. Yen said a kilogram of salmon is sold for between VND200,000-300,000 ($12.5-18.7), bringing him VND150 million ($9,400) per month. His products are mainly consumed in northern areas, particularly Ha Noi, Lai Chau, Hai Phong and Dien Bien. "I want to invest more, as supply does not meet demand, I cannot fulfil orders from many customers in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and even Yen plans to build a $100,000 seafood processing factory in response to growing demand from local consumers. There is demand for 1,500 tonnes of salmon per year, but domestic producers can only supply 200 tonnes. Apart from Lai Chau, salmon are also raised in Sapa, Cao Bang and "Salmon raising provides a stable income, I hope to share my experience so other farmers can get involved in this business. Apart from knowledge, capital is also crucial, it is not easy for a farmer to invest the VND100 million ($6,200) needed." Yen says. Yen has also started raising sturgeon, which can fetch VND500,000-600,000 ($31-37) per kilogram. His farm employs 100 local workers who are paid an average VND2 million ($125) per month. Loans for the poor Yen is one of many who have benefited from the credit programme initiated by the Lai Chau Social Policy Bank. By the end of June, the bank had provided loans worth VND103 billion ($6,4 million) to local households. "Bank officials help us a lot, and often come to our farms to check everything is going smoothly," Yen says. To improve access to loan facilities, the bank simplified loan procedures, offered on-site consultancy services. The bank has set up 81 offices around the province, particularly in remote and mountainous areas.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
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