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) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
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(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the seminar "Global Seafood Market and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development Pathways for Vietnam's Seafood Industry" will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 19, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first of five specialized seminars at Vietfish 2026, focusing on key issues that are shaping the long-term development of Vietnam's seafood industry.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
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