Vietnam’s aquaculture feed production reached 674,900 tons in March, down from 725,800 tons in February. Year-to-date output totalled 2,073,600 tons, marking a 112.3 percent month-on-month increase and a 107.4 percent rise compared to the same period last year, according to data from the General Statistics Office.

Vietnam’s aquaculture feed production is a vital part of the country’s thriving aquaculture sector, which includes the farming of fish, shrimp, and other aquatic species. As one of the largest producers of aquaculture products globally, particularly shrimp and pangasius, Vietnam’s growing demand for nutritious and high-quality feed is critical to supporting this industry.

The production of aquaculture feed in Vietnam involves a variety of feed products specifically designed for different species, such as fish and shrimp. These feeds are formulated with a balanced mix of fishmeal, soybean meal, corn, and other plant-based proteins, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids necessary for optimal growth and health. Major feed producers, including Cargill, Proconco, and De Heus, supply the growing number of fish and shrimp farms across the country, ensuring the availability of high-quality feed products for both domestic use and export markets.

The demand for aquaculture feed has increased as Vietnam’s aquaculture industry expands, driven by rising domestic consumption and strong export markets, particularly in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. With an emphasis on sustainability, there is a growing focus on developing eco-friendly feed products that reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture farming. This includes exploring alternatives to fishmeal and incorporating more plant-based and sustainable ingredients into the feed formulation.

However, the sector faces challenges, including reliance on imported raw materials like fishmeal, which exposes the industry to global market fluctuations. To address this, the industry is working to diversify feed ingredients, such as using insect meal, algae, and other plant-based proteins to make production more sustainable and less reliant on imports.

As Vietnam’s aquaculture industry continues to grow, the production of high-quality, sustainable feed will remain a key factor in maintaining its competitive position in global seafood markets. The feed industry is evolving to meet both the increasing demand for seafood and the need for environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions in aquaculture farming.