In the first 10 months of 2024, Soc Trang's total aquaculture area reached 71,848 hectares, a modest increase of 0.18%. The estimated output for the year was 358,270 tons, marking a 3.28% rise compared to 2023. Brackish water shrimp, a key product, ranked third in Vietnam for both total area and yield in 2023, producing 206,334 tons across 53,511.3 hectares.
According to Mrs. Quach Thi Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Soc Trang, the fisheries sector has experienced rapid and robust growth. Seafood production increased from 68,514 tons in 2013 to 206,334 tons in 2023, with intensive and semi-intensive shrimp farming accounting for 90% of the area. However, this growth has led to challenges such as environmental degradation, disease outbreaks, and excessive chemical use. Additionally, a portion of the population still practices small-scale shrimp farming, often with limited technical knowledge and poor adherence to environmental regulations, contributing to water pollution.
A study by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment revealed that shrimp farming waste in Soc Trang is substantial, generating 4.81–6.93 million m³ of wastewater and 433.2–563.1 million m³ of sludge annually. If not properly managed, these waste products could cause significant environmental harm.
To address these issues, Soc Trang is focused on raising awareness and enhancing the capabilities of shrimp farmers in environmental protection. Efforts include various outreach initiatives and the development of effective farming models. Notably, the "Application of Biogas Systems for Wastewater Treatment in Brackish Water Shrimp Farming" project, led by ActionAid International in Vietnam, aims to implement 150 biogas systems in the province between 2024 and 2026. Additionally, the "Integrated Shrimp Farming" model by GIZ has been introduced at two sites in the province. These efforts are part of a broader strategy that includes the application of advanced farming methods such as the two- and three-phase farming process, VietGAP-compliant practices, biofloc technology, and integrated aquaculture. The use of high-density farming with plastic-lined ponds is also helping to boost shrimp yields per unit area.
The agriculture sector in Soc Trang is also prioritizing digital transformation, incorporating automated monitoring systems and feed optimization technologies to reduce labor and waste. The integration of nano-oxygen systems aims to improve environmental resilience in shrimp farming.
Deputy Director Quach Thi Thanh Binh emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, businesses, and communities in improving waste treatment, promoting sustainability, and enhancing water management. Other key priorities include the management and conservation of native aquatic species, better use of aquatic seed sources resilient to climate change, and strict regulation of imported species. Raising awareness among aquaculture farmers about environmental protection, legal compliance, and quality standards is also crucial for sustainable development.
Additionally, strengthening monitoring, inspections, and enforcement of environmental protection regulations in aquaculture, as well as supporting education, communication, research, and the transfer of sustainable aquaculture technologies, are essential steps toward long-term growth and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 is considered a turning point for Vietnam’s shrimp seed industry as the sector faces the need for strong transformation in technology, production management, and gradual self-sufficiency in broodstock supply. These factors are seen as key to improving seed quality and strengthening the competitiveness of the shrimp industry amid increasingly demanding market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the latest statistics for January 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to major market blocs recorded encouraging growth compared with the same period last year, indicating that consumption demand is gradually recovering.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in February 2026 reached approximately USD 707 million, up 8% compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, exports in the first two months of 2026 totaled USD 1.7 billion, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year. The results show that the sector’s recovery momentum has remained relatively solid following strong growth in January, although the pace slowed noticeably in February for several key products and major markets. Within the overall picture, shrimp continues to be the largest pillar, pangasius rebounds strongly, while tuna exports and the U.S. and Korean markets are sending signals that warrant closer monitoring. In March, seafood exports are expected to gain additional momentum from markets other than the U.S., potentially supporting stronger growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, fishing activities in Quang Tri province recorded many positive signals, with output reaching over 15,941 tons. This result not only demonstrates fishermen’s efforts to stay offshore but also reflects the effectiveness of management and support measures implemented by local authorities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, IUU prevention models focused on communication and mobilizing fishermen to comply with fisheries laws and avoid encroaching on foreign waters—related to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—have been implemented in coastal localities of Lam Dong province and have delivered initial positive results.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The sharp rise in raw pangasius prices to record levels is sending positive signals for the industry, but experts warn of potential supply–demand imbalances if production is not tightly controlled.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the country’s total canned tuna export value in 2025 reached over USD 275 million, down 8% compared to 2024. Vietnamese canned tuna products were present in approximately 80 markets worldwide. However, the 2025 picture shows clear divergence: the U.S. maintained stability, the EU declined sharply, while several Middle East–North Africa (MENA) markets accelerated.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s crab exports reached nearly USD 86 million, up almost 6% compared to 2024. A notable feature of 2025 was the strong market concentration in the United States, which accounted for more than 81% of Vietnam’s total crab export value, up 10% from the previous year. In contrast, exports to several Asian markets declined significantly, resulting in only modest overall growth for the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded impressive growth, with total export turnover reaching over USD 99 million, highlighting the increasingly important role of this product in the country’s seafood export structure. Of this total, tilapia fillets and other fish meat products accounted for USD 61 million, representing 61% of total export value and reaffirming their position as the key product category.
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