Shrimp farming faces growing hurdles
Aquaculture remains a key economic sector for Tra Vinh, which has been investing heavily in infrastructure. The province has completed 11 key projects and plans to implement 14 more between 2026 and 2030, with a total investment of VND 1.9 trillion.
In 2024, Tra Vinh’s total aquaculture area reached 62,000 hectares. Of this, 33,331 hectares were used for brackish water shrimp, yielding 94,251 tons — including 84,547 tons of whiteleg shrimp and 9,704 tons of black tiger shrimp. The province ranked sixth in the Mekong Delta in both farming area and output, achieving 99.42% of its annual target, up 6.4% from 2023.
Tilapia is increasingly seen as a potential alternative in Tra Vinh's aquaculture sector. Since 2023, farmers have actively introduced tilapia into brackish water ponds previously used for shrimp. The model has shown strong development, particularly in polyculture systems.
A typical 1-hectare integrated farm can yield 200,000–300,000 shrimp and 600,000–700,000 tilapia, generating an estimated profit of VND 500 million per hectare. Of that, shrimp contributes around VND 150 million. Intensive tilapia monoculture can generate even higher profits—up to twice that of the mixed model.
Tilapia is easier to manage than shrimp, with lower water quality requirements. Additionally, water from tilapia ponds can be reused for shrimp farming after treatment, helping reduce costs and disease risks.
According to the Tra Vinh Sub-Department of Fisheries, 46 households are currently farming tilapia for export, covering a total area of 106 hectares, mainly in Cau Ngang, Tra Cu, and Chau Thanh districts. Cuu Long Seafood Joint Stock Company is also cultivating more than 60 hectares and expects to harvest around 500 tons in May alone.
However, local hatcheries still rely on seed stock from other provinces. To support sector expansion, there is an urgent need to develop high-quality tilapia broodstock production within Tra Vinh.
Nguyen Tri Thong, Deputy Director of the Cau Ngang Agricultural Technical Service Center, noted that export demand for tilapia is rising, leading to better market value. Still, farmers must be cautious when selecting seed sources and tilapia strains, as a wide variety of imported strains are now available.
To ensure long-term success, a closed value chain—from quality seed and feed supply to product marketing—is essential. Farmers are also encouraged to follow strict technical guidelines recommended by buyers and associated enterprises.
Tra Vinh is pushing for a modern, sustainable transformation of its agricultural sector. Diversifying farmed species is seen as a key strategy to improve economic efficiency, boost farmer incomes, and support the province's broader socio-economic development goals.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
On the afternoon of May 28, the People’s Committee of Ho Thi Ky Commune signed a memorandum of understanding with Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Co., Ltd. (a member of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation) on cooperation to develop a black tiger shrimp farming area meeting international certification standards during the 2026–2030 period in the commune.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
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