Over the past two decades, Vietnam has transformed from a modest seafood producer into one of the world’s top aquaculture powerhouses. From the vast shrimp farms of the Mekong Delta to the rapidly growing marine fish industry along the central coast, Vietnam’s seafood sector has become a vital component of the global food supply chain. In 2022, the country briefly ranked as the third-largest seafood exporter in the world, a testament to its aggressive expansion and strategic trade policies.
However, the road to success has not been smooth. Disease outbreaks, climate change, regulatory hurdles, and increasing global competition have continuously tested the industry’s resilience. As we step into 2025, Vietnamese aquaculture is once again at a crossroads—facing new challenges but also unprecedented opportunities. With sustainability becoming a key concern, international markets tightening their standards, and Vietnam itself pushing for modernization, the future of the industry will depend on innovation, adaptation, and strategic investments.
In this article, we will explore the latest trends, regulatory changes, sustainability efforts, and trade dynamics shaping Vietnam’s aquaculture sector in 2025. Food industry professionals, regulatory experts, and seafood investors will find a deep dive into how Vietnam is positioning itself to maintain its global standing while addressing the pressing issues of today.
Vietnam’s aquaculture industry is undergoing a high-tech revolution. In a bid to increase efficiency, reduce risks, and meet international quality standards, farmers are rapidly adopting advanced technologies such as:
In Da Nang, shrimp producers who have shifted from chemical-based farming to probiotic-based systems have cut production costs and reduced disease outbreaks, leading to higher yields and improved food safety. Meanwhile, in Soc Trang Province, many shrimp farmers are switching to high-value fish species like snakehead, seabass, and catfish, citing higher profit margins and lower disease risks.
Another major shift is the expansion of offshore and cage farming. The northern province of Quang Ninh has launched a marine aquaculture cooperation chain, linking hatcheries, feed suppliers, disease experts, and processors into an integrated value chain. This signals Vietnam’s intent to move beyond traditional land-based aquaculture and tap into its vast marine potential.
Vietnam’s government is also investing heavily in infrastructure, allocating nearly $300 million to upgrade over 50 farming zones. These investments are aimed at boosting export-quality seafood production while ensuring environmental sustainability.
As Vietnam continues to expand its global seafood footprint, regulatory compliance has become a top priority. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has implemented stricter controls, especially for exports to the European Union and the United States. Key changes include:
Vietnam’s exporters are also aligning with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to maintain access to the U.S. market. Compliance with international certifications such as ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), GlobalG.A.P., and VietGAP is becoming a necessity rather than a choice.
To meet growing demand for low-carbon and sustainable seafood, Vietnamese authorities are now developing certification standards for eco-friendly and organic aquaculture products.
Vietnam’s rapid expansion in aquaculture has come with serious environmental costs:
The shrimp industry, in particular, has been severely impacted by diseases like EHP microsporidian and white feces disease, leading to lower survival rates and increased costs. Many farmers have turned to biosecurity measures and probiotics to reduce antibiotic use and improve shrimp health.
One innovative solution gaining traction is integrated farming systems:
Vietnam is also exploring circular economy solutions such as converting fish waste into bioplastics. This innovation could help reduce seafood industry waste while opening new revenue streams.
Vietnam’s seafood exports are rebounding after a volatile period. In 2024, exports surged 11.5%, reaching nearly $10 billion, with shrimp and pangasius leading the way.
Key export trends:
Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly the CPTPP, EVFTA, and UKVFTA, are providing significant tariff advantages, helping Vietnamese seafood remain competitive in high-value markets.
One of Vietnam’s strongest advantages lies in its seafood processing expertise. Unlike competitors like Ecuador and India, which focus on raw shrimp exports, Vietnam specializes in high-value processed seafood, such as:
This value-added strategy is helping Vietnam differentiate itself and command higher prices.
Recent SGS Digicomply data indicates a notable increase in food safety incidents related to seafood in Vietnam over the past five years. While the number of reported incidents was relatively low between 2012 and 2018, there has been a sharp rise from 2020 onwards, reaching a peak in 2024. This trend highlights heightened regulatory enforcement, increased market scrutiny, and growing consumer awareness of food safety risks.
🔗 Souced from SGS Digicomply Horizon Scanning. Check out the demo to see Horizon Scanning tools in action.
Key takeaways from incident trends:
As we look ahead, Vietnamese aquaculture in 2025 is poised for further transformation. Food industry experts believe that the sector’s long-term success will depend on:
Nguyen Hoai Nam, Secretary General of VASEP, sums it up well:
"Vietnam’s seafood industry has come a long way, but the next phase will require even greater innovation and compliance with global sustainability demands. If we continue investing in quality and brand recognition, we will not only maintain but expand our position in the global seafood market."
Vietnam’s aquaculture industry is no longer just about producing cheap seafood—it’s about producing sustainable, traceable, and value-added seafood that meets the expectations of global food safety and regulatory professionals.
The next few years will be critical in determining whether Vietnam secures its place as a leading force in sustainable aquaculture or falls behind in an increasingly competitive global market.