Vietnam’s aquaculture sector supports production across fish, shrimp, crustaceans, and mollusks, creating varied nutritional requirements for different farming systems. As producers focus on growth performance, feed efficiency, animal health, and consistent output, aquafeed has become an important component of modern cultivation. Changes in farming intensity, species composition, ingredient availability, and export-oriented production are also influencing feed formulation practices.
A comprehensive market assessment by Markntel Advisor reveals that the Vietnam aquafeed sector is valued at USD 1.98 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 3.72 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 11.08% during 2026–2032. The study identifies Fish Feed as the leading species segment. Detailed insights are available in the Vietnam aquafeed report.
Fish Production Supports Feed Demand
Fish farming represents an important component of Vietnam’s aquaculture industry, with freshwater and brackish-water systems supporting different species and production models. Pangasius is particularly significant for commercial production and exports. FAO GLOBEFISH reported that Vietnam’s pangasius production reached 871,900 tonnes during the first half of 2025, representing a 4.5% increase from the corresponding period a year earlier. The latest pangasius industry analysis provides further context on production and trade developments.
Higher production volumes can create corresponding requirements for nutritionally balanced feed, particularly in intensive systems where feed is an important input for maintaining consistent growth and production cycles. Feed manufacturers therefore need to consider species-specific nutritional requirements alongside farm conditions and production objectives.
Species-Specific Formulation Gains Importance
Aquafeed requirements differ considerably between fish, shrimp, and other cultivated aquatic species. Fish feed may prioritize protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids according to the species and growth stage, while shrimp diets require formulations adapted to their digestive characteristics and farming environment.
The report categorizes Vietnam’s aquafeed industry by species into Fish Feed, Crustacean Feed, Mollusk Feed, and Other Aquafeed. This segmentation reflects the diversity of aquaculture production and the need for feed products tailored to specific biological and farming requirements rather than a uniform formulation approach.
Ingredient Selection Shapes Feed Quality
The choice of ingredients remains central to aquafeed formulation. The industry uses materials such as soybean, fish meal, fish oil, corn, novel proteins, additives, and other ingredients to achieve targeted nutritional characteristics. Ingredient selection can influence protein levels, energy density, palatability, digestibility, and overall feed performance.
As aquaculture becomes more commercially intensive, manufacturers are also examining ways to balance nutritional requirements with ingredient availability and formulation costs. This has increased attention toward alternative protein sources and improved utilization of agricultural and marine-derived ingredients while maintaining suitable nutritional profiles.
Shrimp and Coastal Farming Add Diversity
Shrimp production contributes another important dimension to Vietnam’s aquafeed requirements. Different farming systems can range from extensive approaches to more intensive operations, resulting in varying feed needs and management practices. FAO documentation has long identified fish and shrimp as major components of Vietnam’s aquaculture activity, particularly across coastal and delta environments.
Vietnam’s geographical conditions provide extensive opportunities for aquaculture, including coastal, estuarine, freshwater, pond, and cage-based systems. These diverse production environments can influence feed requirements through differences in species, stocking intensity, water conditions, and production objectives.
Feed Standards Strengthen Product Quality
Regulatory standards are also shaping the development of aquafeed products. Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment lists QCVN 93:2025/BNNMT, covering compound feed used in aquaculture. The standard replaced an earlier regulation and was issued through Circular 67/2025/TT-BNNMT. The aquaculture feed standards framework provides information on the applicable technical requirements.
Standardization can support greater consistency in feed composition and quality while helping producers and manufacturers work within defined technical parameters. It also reinforces the importance of quality control across ingredient sourcing, production, storage, and distribution.
Sustainability Influences Ingredient Development
Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly relevant to aquafeed formulation. Feed production is closely connected with resource use, while uneaten feed and nutrient discharge can influence water quality in farming systems. More efficient formulations can therefore contribute to better utilization of nutrients and improved farm management.
Research and industry initiatives are also examining novel proteins, alternative ingredients, and improved feed conversion. These approaches can help reduce dependence on selected conventional inputs while supporting the nutritional needs of expanding aquaculture production.
Production Growth Supports Industry Development
Vietnam’s aquaculture sector is also supported by broader government development objectives. A national aquaculture program sets targets for expanding production capacity, strengthening breeding systems, developing centralized aquaculture zones, and improving connections between production, processing, and consumption. Such measures can indirectly support demand for consistent feed supply as commercial farming capacity develops.
Outlook for Vietnam’s Aquafeed Industry
The Vietnam aquafeed sector is projected to increase from USD 1.98 billion in 2026 to USD 3.72 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 11.08%. Continued development of fish and shrimp cultivation, species-specific nutrition, ingredient innovation, feed-quality standards, and more efficient farming practices is expected to remain important to the evolution of aquafeed production in Vietnam.
