Vietnam’s Aquaculture: Sustainable Progress – Technology Connections at VietShrimp Asia 2026 & Aquaculture Vietnam 2026
As global economic landscapes undergo rapid transformation, Vietnam’s fisheries industry, particularly its shrimp sector, continues to stand strong as a key pillar of national exports and a trusted name in global trade. In this context of renewal and reinvention, VietShrimp Asia 2026 – Vietshrimp Aquaculture International Fair & Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 – Vietnam’s International Aquaculture Industry Event emerges as a premier platform to foster innovation, connect industry stakeholders, and showcase the latest technological solutions, trends, and expertise shaping the future of aquaculture, both in Vietnam and internationally.
Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector: Accelerated Growth, Expanding Global Reach
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam currently ranks as the world’s third-largest fisheries exporter, following China and Norway, accounting for approximately 7% of the global market share. The industry has seen robust and comprehensive growth, with export revenues reaching USD 9.5 billion in 2024—an increase of nearly 12% compared to 2023.
Looking ahead, Vietnam’s fisheries sector is targeting export turnover of USD 10.5 billion in 2025, marking a 4.3% year-on-year growth. This upward trajectory is driven by strategic investment in production capacity and advanced technologies, reinforcing the industry’s position as a reliable and competitive partner in the global fisheries supply chain.
(Source: VASEP, 2025)
In 2024, Vietnam’s total fisheries production reached approximately 9.61 million tons, marking a 2% increase compared to the previous year. Aquaculture continues to be a key growth driver, with farmed fisheries production rising from 4.1 million tons to 5.7 million tons in recent years—an impressive increase of 38%. The Mekong Delta region remains the industry’s powerhouse, accounting for 95% of the country’s pangasius output and 80% of shrimp production destined for export. This solidifies its status as Vietnam’s largest aquaculture hub serving international markets. Meanwhile, capture fisheries also saw a modest rise, increasing from 3.59 to 3.82 million tons, up 7% year-on-year.
(Source: VASEP, 2025)
Vietnam’s fisheries industry continues to assert its strong position on the global export map through consistent growth, a clear commitment to sustainable development, and increasing integration capacity. This momentum is underpinned by advanced processing technologies and ongoing improvements in product quality—enhancing the industry’s competitiveness across international markets.
Shrimp: A Strategic Pillar in Vietnam’s Export Landscape
Shrimp remains a cornerstone of Vietnam’s fisheries export strategy, contributing approximately 35–40% of the industry’s total export revenue. In 2024, shrimp exports generated an estimated USD 4 billion, representing a 16.7% increase compared to 2023.
(Source: VASEP, 2025)
By the end of 2024, Vietnam’s total shrimp farming area had reached approximately 749,700 hectares, including 628,800 hectares of black tiger shrimp and 121,000 hectares of whiteleg shrimp. With total output surpassing 1.29 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 15.3%, Vietnam’s shrimp sector continues to demonstrate its strategic importance to the blue economy and its readiness for deeper integration into the global aquaculture value chain.
Over the past five years, whiteleg shrimp has steadily emerged as the dominant species in Vietnam’s shrimp export structure, driven by consistent and robust growth averaging 7% annually. Notably, production of whiteleg shrimp surged by 82% during this period, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 13%. In contrast, black tiger shrimp—a traditional staple of Vietnam’s aquaculture—has seen a gradual decline. Its production volume has decreased by an average of 1.5% per year, with a cumulative drop of 8% over the past six years. This shifting dynamic highlights the increasing preference among farmers and enterprises for whiteleg shrimp, which now stands as the industry’s preferred species due to its higher productivity and market adaptability.
(Source: VASEP, 2025)
Technological Advancements Accelerate Shrimp Processing
Shrimp is one of two strategic aquatic species prioritized under Vietnam’s national aquaculture development plan and continues to play a central role in the country’s fisheries economy. Today, Vietnam is home to more than 350 shrimp processing facilities certified for international export, meeting the stringent technical standards required by major global markets.
The country’s top five shrimp exporters each recorded revenues exceeding USD 150 million, jointly accounting for nearly 35% of total sector exports. Vietnam is also recognized as one of the regional leaders in shrimp processing technology, with a strong advantage in producing high-value-added (HVA) products such as breaded shrimp, cooked shrimp, and sushi-grade shrimp. These innovations are helping elevate Vietnam’s competitiveness on the global stage.
A Strategic Key to Modern Agriculture
As a cornerstone of Vietnam’s agri-export portfolio and a growing contributor to national economic output, the fisheries industry, particularly shrimp, is undergoing significant transformation. Investments in modern farming models and technology are driving the creation of more sustainable value. However, to maintain this growth momentum and effectively tackle challenges related to environmental concerns, market access, and digital transformation, the sector needs bold breakthroughs fueled by knowledge-sharing and international collaboration.
In response to this need, Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 – Vietnam’s premier international aquaculture exhibition and VietShrimp Asia 2026 – Vietshrimp Aquaculture International Fair will be co-located to deliver one of the largest and most comprehensive aquaculture exhibition in the region for the first time. More than an annual gathering, the exhibition will serve as a strategic platform for industry professionals, producers, and enterprises to explore new technologies, exchange ideas, and sustainable development across the entire aquaculture and fisheries processing value chain.
For more information, please contact the Organising Committee:
- Ms. Sophie Nguyen – [email protected] (Booth registration support)
- Ms. Phuong – [email protected] (Group registration support)
- Ms. Anita Pham – [email protected] (Media & marketing support)
