A Path to Sustainable Growth

The journey to this landmark goal is not without challenges. As Vietnam strengthens its position in the global seafood market, it faces increased scrutiny over antibiotic residues in exports. According to Le Thanh Hoa, Deputy Director of the National Authority for Agro-Forestry-Fishery Quality, Processing, and Market Development, ensuring strict quality standards will be essential in maintaining Vietnam’s export credibility.

The US Market: A Major Battleground

The United States remains one of Vietnam’s most crucial export markets, particularly for shrimp and tra fish (pangasius). Despite fierce competition from industry giants like India, Ecuador, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s shrimp exports saw a 15% rise in 2024, reaching nearly $3.9 billion. The country’s success lies in its strategic approach to value-added seafood products, including frozen fillets, tra fish skewers, skin snacks, and pureed fish balls—a growing favorite among American consumers.

Adding to Vietnam’s advantage is a recent resolution with the US at the WTO, which ended a long-standing anti-dumping dispute over pangasius exports. This victory is expected to smooth trade relations and strengthen Vietnam’s presence in the global market.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite its achievements, Vietnam’s seafood industry faces mounting climate change impacts, rising production costs, and tougher competition from major seafood-exporting nations. Higher feed, fuel, and transportation expenses threaten profit margins, making it crucial for the industry to innovate.

Recognizing these challenges, the Directorate of Fisheries has outlined a shift in focus for 2025: rather than expanding shrimp and tra fish farms, the priority will be on deep processing techniques to enhance product value and reduce waste. The industry is also diversifying its aquaculture species, incorporating eel, tilapia, seaweed, and mollusks to tap into new market demands.

A Future Rooted in Sustainability

Vietnam is also embracing circular economy principles—finding innovative ways to utilize seafood byproducts to minimize environmental impact. By investing in value-added processing, the industry aims to extract greater value from each harvest while maintaining long-term sustainability.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Phung Duc Tien, sees a bright future for Vietnam’s fisheries sector. However, he emphasizes that productivity improvements, tighter quality controls, and disease management will be key to success. The industry must also address concerns about shrimp feed and antibiotic use to meet international safety standards and maintain its competitive edge.

Vietnam’s Seafood Industry: Rising to the Challenge

As Vietnam charts its path to $11 billion in seafood exports, the industry is proving that growth is not just about numbers—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and resilience. With a strong export strategy, a commitment to quality enhancement, and a growing portfolio of seafood products, Vietnam is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the global market.

For seafood lovers across the world, the future looks promising. Vietnam’s journey is a testament to how a country can transform its fisheries sector into a powerhouse—balancing growth with responsibility, and setting a benchmark for sustainable aquaculture worldwide.

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The Indian shrimp industry received an additional boost when it began farming the Vannamei shrimp. As a result, the shrimp sector contributes significantly to India’s entire seafood basket.

However, the Indian shrimp industry has taken a severe hit and lost its crown. India, formerly the world’s leading shrimp exporter, is now fighting to regain its prior status.

A variety of factors have contributed to this tremendous setback.

The epidemic dealt a catastrophic $1.5 billion hit to India’s shrimp industry. During 2020-21, shrimp exporters were drowning in excess stock due to an unexpected oversupply caused by supply chain snarls.

The industry’s troubles were exacerbated by decreasing appetites for shrimp as a result of lockdowns and eating restrictions. As a result, shrimp prices fell to the ground.

Although shrimp prices began to rise in FY24, they remain beneath pre-pandemic levels.

However, India’s export value is declining. While export volumes have not yet declined, the year-total export value in Q1-Q3 2023 fell to $3.7 billion, a 13% year-on-year decrease. This echoes the negative pricing trend that exporters have seen in the United States and China, India’s two main export destinations.

Traditionally, the United States is the biggest importer of shrimp from India. As of FY23, it contributed to 33% of total shrimp exports from India. However, the dependence on the United States marketplace has surprisingly backfired.

Due to the epidemic, shipping freight prices skyrocketed, resulting in a drop in export volume. At the same time, Ecuador benefited from its geographical closeness to Western markets, giving it a logistical advantage over its Asian competitors. 

As the United States began to negotiate trade agreements and lower tariffs with Ecuador, it signaled a trend toward diversifying its shrimp supplies and lessening its reliance on India. Furthermore, Ecuador’s competitive price mirrored that of India, resulting in a win-win situation for both the United States and Ecuador. The situation exacerbated when the US placed a 3.8% anti-dumping charge on select Indian shrimp.

India’s exports to the US, its largest market, fell between 2021 and 2022. But by 2023, they had steadied and grown by 1%. Furthermore, shipments to the EU fell by 12%, to 38,119 MT. Belgium and the Netherlands remained the EU’s major marketplaces for Indian shrimp.

While exports to Belgium increased (16% year on year), shipments to the Netherlands fell 15% year on year to 2021 levels. Exports to France, the EU’s third largest market, fell by a stunning 54%.

Furthermore, the rise in shrimp feed has contributed to the shrimp industry’s declining trajectory.

Shrimp feed contains a specific diet designed to ensure the life and growth of shrimp. It is made from three main ingredients: soybean meal, fishmeal, and wheat flour.

Over the last three years, the feed sector has seen price instability, notably as a result of a 40% spike in fishmeal costs owing to worldwide shortages. This increase has squeezed the purse strings of many farmers, reducing profit margins.

India’s shrimp sector is at a crossroads, trapped between opportunity and risk.  In a deliberate bid to boost the shrimp business, the Indian government is reducing customs taxes on shrimp feed from a high 15% to a more manageable 5%. Furthermore, by establishing an ambitious export target and taking prudent measures, the country may reclaim its lost place in the sector.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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These innovative strains might have the key to revitalizing the white shrimp farm numbers, which have faced a decline since 2012 due to the outbreak of Early Mortality Syndrome, also known as Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (EMS-AHPND). Praphan emphasized the substantial damage inflicted on Thailand’s aquaculture sector by this bacterial disease and underscored the critical role these new strains will play in ensuring its resilience.

White shrimp, renowned for its demand in both domestic and overseas markets, serves as a major contributor to Thailand’s export revenue, generating an impressive average of 100 billion baht annually. The successful development of Petchada 1 and Sida 1 is anticipated to contribute significantly to the establishment of a sustainable shrimp industry, addressing the challenges posed by disease outbreaks and economic fluctuations.

The meticulous development of these strains involved collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and the Agricultural Research Development Agency. The team of marine biologists employed selective breeding and molecular genetic marker methods to create these advanced genotypes. In an effort to evaluate genetic diversity and study disease-free DNA, Pacific white shrimp strains from the United States, Guam, and Thailand were meticulously selected.

The shrimp underwent rigorous testing in a biosecure system to assess their growth capacity and genetic diversity. The findings of the study revealed that Thailand’s domestic strains emerged as the most promising base population for further development. Petchada 1, developed at the Genetic Aqua-Animal Research and Development Centre in Phetchaburi province, exhibited high growth potential compared to shrimp from other sources.

On the other hand, the Sida 1 breeder, originating from the Genetic Aqua-Animal Research and Development Centre in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, demonstrated the highest survival rate against EMS-AHPND, outperforming its counterparts. While still in the research and development phase, Praphan expressed optimism about the next steps, emphasizing the importance of testing these strains on a commercial scale. The aim is to mitigate losses among shrimp farmers and take a significant stride toward establishing a sustainable and robust shrimp industry in Thailand.

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Optimum Water Quality Parameter for Vannamei shrimp farming:

There are including some optimum water quality parameters for shrimp L. vannamei culture:

Salinity:

Bangladesh has a high rate of evaporation, therefore during the summer, salt concentration in ponds progressively rises. Salinity can both speed up and slow down growth. Shrimps that are younger seem to be able to endure a greater range of salinity variations like adults. Vannamei shrimp specie’s post-larvae can withstand vast salinity variations, which have no impact on their survival or growth. Vannamei shrimp can withstand a wide range of salinity in pond conditions, from as little as 12 ppt to as much as 25 ppt. When using brackish water species, this should be taken into account as salinity levels may rise above their tolerance threshold. In these circumstances, the water needs to be periodically changed, either with pumps or through tidal exchange.

pH:

The pond’s fertility or prospective productivity is indicated by the pH of the water. Water with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 is typically thought to be ideal for farming Vannamei shrimp. Shrimp development and survival may potentially be harmed by water that is too alkaline (pH > 9.5) or too acidic (>5.0). The pH of pond water typically reaches 9.5 in late afternoon in ponds that are overly rich in phytoplankton. Lime can be added to water to raise the pH and reduce acidity. However, the pH is typically lower when daylight arrives. Water exchange should be used to correct excessive plankton development because it can reduce the oxygen content of pond water. Lime can be added to water to raise the pH and reduce acidity.

Dissolved Oxygen:

Their growth is slowed down and their susceptibility to disease is lowered over time by prolonged exposure to the stress of low oxygen concentration. Shrimp stocks typically experienced mass mortality (anoxia) as a result of oxygen depletion.

Two processes, including the diffusion of ambient air and a byproduct of photosynthesis, contribute to the dissolved oxygen in the pond’s water. Water temperature, respiration, and the amount of organic matter are three main influences on the dissolved oxygen content in pond water.

The following actions can be taken to reduce the pond’s loss of DO:

• Exchange of fresh water into the pond during renewal, either via tidal flow or pumps.
• Artificial aeration system installation.

Nitrogen Compound:

Different types of organic nitrogen, including nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and others, can be found in ponds. The metabolism of fish and the bacterial breakdown of organic materials produce ammonia nitrogen. The percentage of total ammonia that exists in a unionized state is controlled by the water’s pH and temperature. The height of the phytoplankton bloom, when the majority of them died, is typically when the total ammonia nitrogen concentration is highest. Because of the high quantity of carbon dioxide, the pH of the water is low. According to studies, exposure to an ammonia concentration of 0.45 mg NH3-N/1 liter would result in a 50% reduction in shrimp growth.

Suitable Temperature for Vannamei shrimp farming:

The activity of the cultured animal is greatly influenced by the temperature of the water. Every 10°C increase in temperature is said to double the rate of chemical and biological reactions. Therefore, it follows that aquatic creatures have a higher requirement for dissolved oxygen in warmer than in cooler water. Maintaining the ideal temperature between 25 and 30 °C is very crucial for shrimp growth.

Hydrogen sulfide, H2S:

Organic matter that builds up and creates a thick layer of organic deposits at the bottom is chemically reduced to form H2S. If it increase, the bottom soil turns dark and has a foul odor. The shrimps appear to lose their equilibrium at concentrations of 0.1–0.2 ppm and perish quickly at 4 ppm.

It would not be cost-effective to use iron oxide (70% ferrous oxide) to remediate the bottom soil that contains significant quantities of H2S. The more affordable method is to often interchange the water in the pond to avoid H2S buildup.

Alkalinity and Total Hardness:

Alkalinity, a measurement of the acid-neutralizing ability of water, shields culture species from the main effects of pH shift. Usually, biological processes can alter the alkalinity of water by producing and consuming acids and bases. However, if alkalinity is discovered to be extremely low (20 ppm), this inhibits phytoplankton development. Therefore, it is important to keep the alkalinity level within a desirable range (75 to 150 ppm).

The total metal cations, mainly calcium and magnesium, are measured using total hardness. According to its hardness, water is divided into four categories: mild (0–75 ppm), medium (75–150 ppm), high (150–300 ppm), and very hard (>200 ppm). Saline water often has a much higher hardness than freshwater because it includes more minerals. Calcium is one of the minerals required for the production of the exoskeleton shell of the Vannamei shrimp.

One of the key elements in enhancing vannamei shrimp growth, color, and survival is water quality. The regular maintenance of water quality parameters is the essence of water quality management. In order to prevent stress, which could hasten the development of many diseases in shrimp, it should be kept at the ideal level.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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Vietnam has been exporting seafood to the world for two decades thanks to the shrimp industry. An estimated 40-45% of the total seafood export value is generated by the shrimp industry each year.

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is home to 17 million people and is one of the world’s most productive ecosystems. The delta is also known for producing a large amount of shrimp each year. 

A study published by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) 2021, shows that fishery exports in 13 Mekong Delta provinces accounted for 60% of all exports. On the other hand, 6 provinces in the Southeast area accounted for 18% of the total with 602 million USD, while the remaining provinces were in the Central and Northern regions.

These statistics indicate that the Mekong Delta is a crucial strategic region that’s responsible for half of Vietnam’s exports of seafood. In the aftermath of COVID-19, Shrimp farming gradually recovered in the Mekong Delta, and exports remain strong. 

In addition, the Mekong Delta’s favorable climate and government initiatives led to a significant increase in shrimp production for years. Furthermore, the numerous free trade agreements and steady production contributed to a huge increase in exports from this area. 

Following a long period of plummeting prices, the current prices indicate a good sign for the shrimp industry of Vietnam, but they do not meet the expectations of farmers.

There are several shrimp processing factories for exports that recently announced the price of white leg shrimp has been increased to VND133,000 (US$5.5), VND104,000 (US$4.3), and VND88,000 (US$3.6) a kilogram.

However, a significant problem has arisen in recent days with many shrimp export enterprises in Soc Trang and Bac Lieu experiencing a lack of raw materials. Moreover, prices for raw materials have fallen in July.

The Vietnam shrimp industry has been unable to meet the increasing global demand for raw materials for years. Therefore, Vietnamese companies had to import raw materials from other countries to serve their reexports and maintain their seafood export volume.

It is currently common for many companies engaged in export processing to purchase raw shrimp in order to fulfill export orders. Due to this, shrimp prices are expected to increase throughout the remainder of the year. Although it is possible to overcome the shortage of domestic raw materials by increasing production, quality is another issue that cannot be resolved overnight. 

The Mekong Delta agricultural sector is implementing a number of solutions to address the lack of raw shrimp in its localities.

Agricultural representatives of the province are collaborating with grassroots authorities in order to develop and expand effective feeding models for shrimp and to assist shrimp feeding collectives in obtaining affordable input materials including breeding stock, food, and medicine.

In this regard, it is hoped that the influx of imported raw materials will ensure Vietnamese exports and reprocessing continue, bringing real benefits to local farmers, the fishing industry, and the economy of the country as a whole. 

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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In the global shrimp export industry, Vietnamese shrimp exports hold the second position, representing 13-14 percent of total export value, according to Mr. Ngo The Anh, Director of the Aquaculture Department of the Vietnam Directorate of Fisheries under the MARD. Approximately 45 percent of the value of seafood exports comes from shrimp, equivalent to around US$3.5-4 billion annually.

In spite of this tremendous success, the Government of Vietnam is trying to increase Vietnamese shrimp markets across the globe. There are, however, some challenges facing the industry, making the task somewhat difficult.

The major constraint of increasing the market is the higher production cost compared to the low market price.

Shrimp exports have dwindled as input costs and production expenses have increased, while the selling prices have remained low, despite a successful harvest in the first six months of the year.

Various markets have seen shrimp exports decline due to an increase in production costs and a decrease in selling prices.

In comparison to last year, shrimp exports were down nearly 32 percent, with the EU market experiencing a 48 percent decline, the US market experiencing a 38 percent decline, South Korea experiencing a 28 percent decline, Japan experiencing a 29 percent decline, and China experiencing a 15 percent decline.

The lack of government support for farmers is another major constraint. As an example, the government does not provide enough certification for exports and imports of raw materials. Meanwhile, Ecuadorian shrimp producers have been receiving substantial government support in obtaining aquaculture certifications.

In Ca Mau Province, Minh Phu Seafood Corporation CEO Le Van Quang revealed that his company has established raw material growing zones tailored to meet the demands of specific markets like the US and EU. However, the number of areas with official certifications remains limited. 

Shrimp exports to different markets are also hampered by antibiotic residue testing.

The Japanese market is one such market that tests 100% of imported shrimp shipments for antibiotic residues. Due to this, Vietnamese shrimp are forced to spend more money and time at the port, thereby decreasing their competitiveness.

However, only 20-30 percent of shrimp imported into Japan from Thailand and India are tested. Moreover, Vietnamese shrimp have experienced discrimination in the US market from 2004 to the present because of trade remedy measures involving antidumping investigations and antidumping duties.

Several measures have already been taken by the industry to increase the market across the globe.

Experts suggest that Vietnamese businesses should explore establishing supply connections for raw shrimp. 

In addition to shrimp farmers’ efforts, the State must support technology applications and digital transformation and increase credit capital to reinvest in shrimp farming.

The enterprise must reduce costs, improve processing levels, diversify products, increase product quality, and find new markets. The farmers also require capital, infrastructure, seed, and market information to succeed.

Vietnam‘s trade offices should redouble their efforts to promote the image of Vietnamese shrimp and provide timely market information to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) so they can guide planting areas, processing operations, and exports. 

In addition, the MoIT should promote the signing of free trade agreements, assist enterprises in harnessing their potential, and formulate adaptable solutions to technical barriers.

The formation of regions producing raw materials for processing shrimp feed, which would reduce the dependence on imported raw materials, also requires mechanisms and policies.

A target of 4.3 billion USD was set for Vietnamese shrimp exports in 2023. It is still important for the country to focus on expanding its global market despite the obstacles. That is the only way the Vietnamese industry can achieve its ambitious goals.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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After successful trial-based cultivation of Vannamei shrimp in three farms in the southern coastal region, the govt allowed its commercial farming in Bangladesh as they showed significantly higher yields compared to locally farmed black tiger (P. monodon) or Bagda shrimp. Now, the purpose of allowing experimental production is to reduce the dependence on imported Vannamei PLs and increase their availability for local farmers.

The Desh Bangla SPF Hatchery, which is registered under the Department of Fisheries, will be responsible for conducting the experimental production activities for Vannamei shrimp PL. These activities will be carried out under strict biosecurity management, as specified by the department.

In order to proceed with the experimental production of Vannamei shrimp PLs, it is mandatory to obtain permission from the Department of Fisheries. This permission is required to take the necessary steps for importing SPF (specific pathogen free) Vannamei shrimp brood.

To avoid any contamination, the Department states that the experimental production of Vannamei shrimp PLs and the existing production of Bagda shrimp PLs should be conducted in separate parts of the same hatchery, maintaining fully confined conditions.

Frozen food exporters, who have been advocating for the government’s permission to cultivate the non-native Vannamei shrimp for over a decade due to declining export earnings, have expressed their satisfaction with the decision.

The Department of Fisheries, initially hesitant to grant permission due to concerns about potential negative impacts on biodiversity and the environment, started allowing experimental culture of the Pacific whiteleg shrimp in 2019 and declared as successful in the end of 2022.

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This is so that the shrimp, Litopenaeus Vannamei in Latin, can swiftly adjust to its surroundings and has excellent environmental resistance. Additionally, the market’s demand for Vannamei shrimp keeps rising. Many people want to start raising it, but many are unsure of where to begin. Before beginning, there are numerous preparations and factors that you must take into account. This article will be helpful for them.

Preparatory Stage for Vannamei shrimp cultivation:

1.    Pond preparation:

The pond needs to be clear, dry, and free of any dangerous microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, etc., that could impair aquaculture operations. The newly constructed and excavated ponds bottoms are treated with a heavy dosage of lime powder—roughly 400–500 kg/hectare. The old pond bottom is let to dry after harvesting to remove any potential disease sources. In order to get rid of the toxic gases that are present in the soil, the black soils should be removed, and then the pond bottom is extensively ploughed at a depth of 30 cm. Either dolomite, quick lime, and agricultural lime are suggested to treat the bottom according to the area of the pond.

2.    Pond water preparation:

Up to a depth of 3–4 feet, brackish water is pumped into the pond and purified using sophisticated filtration equipment. For one week, the water is exposed to a 20–30 ppm chlorine treatment. Before stocking, the pond water should also be treated with minerals and probiotic yeasts.

Throughout the culture period, the water level should be kept at a depth of 1-1.3 m by pumping water into the pond from surrounding creeks. The pond culture can employs seawater that has been filtered through sand to which activated carbon has been added.

Cultivation Stage:

1.    Selection and Stocking of Vannamei shrimp Seeds:

The key to successful vannamei shrimp cultivation is the choice of fry. The perfect fry should be resistant to and devoid of illness.

• Body length > 10 mm,
• Size variation 1,
• Vivid color pigment, and
• Active swimming spread are additional requirements that must be satisfied.

Acclimatization is necessary before the fry are stocked in order to hasten their transition from the bag water medium to the pond water habitat. Additionally, by avoiding stress on the fry at this stage, the mortality rate during stocking is decreased.

Numerous advantages of having an ideal stocking density in an aquaculture system include increased growth, survival, and productivity as well as enhanced general health and reduced stress. Shrimp growth performance is decreased due to increased total ammonia, nitrate, and total phosphorus caused by higher stocking densities. The 10, 25, and 40 ind. m-2 stocking density had the best shrimp survival rates (79–94%) for both short (75 days) and long (150 days) cycle lengths.

2.    Feeding Management:

Management of the shrimp feed is a step taken to maximize the benefits and assist good cultivation. All farms use commercial pellets that have been specially designed for routine feeding. Most people combine broadcasting and check-tray feeding techniques, periodically modifying the levels in accordance with their observations. According to the advice of each feed company, they are often fed four times every day.

3.    Water Quality Management

Farmers must undertake proper water quality management and maintain it as long as vannamei shrimp are being grown.

Seawater with a salt level exceeding 15 ppt is used to cultivate vannamei, and it needs to be changed every 60 days. pH, DO, temperature, brightness, total vibrio count, alkalinity, salinity, and the kind and quantity of plankton are among the factors used for assessing water quality.

4.    Treatment

Farmers must undertake proper water quality management and maintain it as long as vannamei shrimp are being grown. Probiotics, minerals, zeolites, ammonia reducers, dissolved oxygen (DO) enhancers, and disinfectants are frequently utilized after stocking. With an increase in culture days and feeding dose rate, the silt at the pond bottom grows darker. Applying sludge-digesting probiotic supplements reduces the amount of sludge formation. Along with pellet meal, numerous feed supplements are used to promote growth, prevent loose or soft shells, prevent illnesses, etc.

5.    Harvesting of Vannamei Shrimp

The final step, harvesting is main to find out of total profit from the culture. Most ponds use drag nets to catch vannamei shrimp from the pond. After being thoroughly washed in fresh water, the captured shrimp are placed in trays with ice.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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Sundarbans is the world’s biggest mangrove forest, located partially in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal and partly in Bangladesh. A delta between the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, and the Bay of Bengal covers 30% of the forest.

Water and soil salinity in the Sundarbans’ area has grown considerably, with forecasts that several portions of the region might reach near ocean-level salinity by 2050. Because of significant siltation, sea level rise, climate change, and excessive aquaculture activities, salt levels in the Sundarbans have been continuously increasing.

Cyclones rose by 26% in the Bay of Bengal around the Sundarbans between 1881 and 2001. Furthermore, research has shown that the incidence of very severe cyclones in the post-monsoon season has increased significantly between 2000 and 2018.

“Salinity has grown at an alarming rate due to sea-level rise, storms, and land subsidence. The Sundarbans terrain is predicted to fragment significantly as a result of climate change, resulting in habitat loss for many endangered species.,” said Tuhin Ghosh, Associate Professor at Jadavpur University’s School of Oceanographic Studies.

Furthermore, shrimp farming has been the most brutal destruction of vast portions of Sundarbans. The number of shrimp ponds created around the outer edge for harvesting shrimp fry reduces the reserve site of the mangrove forest.

Vannamei shrimp, a non-native species, have been substituted with freshwater prawns, which flourish in the newly restored habitat. The rigorous fishing strain feed on prawn fry as well as other essential revering species that breed in coastal areas. It also degrades the environment of coastal habitats.

“The fast spread of brackish-water aquaculture in the Sundarbans create risks on long-term implications such as increased salinity, diminished biodiversity, and socioeconomic impacts,” said Tim Daw, a researcher at Stockholm Resilience Centre, who is one of the authors behind a study recently published in Ambio.

To combat such dire conditions, the Indian government has made a brave initiative. As a result, the excavation of the creeks began. The government, on the other hand, got World Bank assistance to expand the excavation operations.

However, creek excavation has improved the flow of fresh water, reduced salinity, and revolutionized farming patterns. 

The creeks increased water and sediment channelization has improved water flow and reduced stagnant pools where salt accumulated. These creeks additionally avoid salt water from getting into freshwater systems. Sediment removal from creeks helps to reduce accumulated salts, improving water quality.  The creeks also allowed for the growth of giant prawns, commonly known as ‘galda chingri’.

The Indian Sundarbans region has definitely recovered as a result of its embrace of this sustainable creek excavation initiative.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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The decline in exports to the United States is attributed to the higher price of raw shrimp from Vietnam compared to rival suppliers such as Ecuador, India, and Indonesia. Additionally, high inflation and consumer preference for cheaper food, coupled with inventory challenges, falling product quality, and high storage costs, contributed to the decrease.

The increase in interest rates in the US, surpassing those in Vietnam, negatively affected the demand for shrimp imports in the US market. However, there is a slight expectation of increased shrimp import demand from August onwards to meet the demands of the year-end festival.

In the European Union market, consumption demand slowed during the initial months of the year, resulting in a 49% decline in shrimp exports to the EU compared to the same period last year. Factors contributing to this decline include the Russia-Ukraine war, thrifty consumer spending habits, price increases in goods and gasoline, and the depreciation of the EUR. Vietnamese shrimp faced competition from Ecuadorian and Indian suppliers, although they could not fully meet the requirements of the discerning EU market. Consequently, there is still room for Vietnamese processed shrimp in the EU market.

Vietnamese shrimp exports to markets such as Japan, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea also experienced respective declines of 27%, 22%, and 29%. These declines were influenced by factors such as high inflation, currency depreciation, cautious consumer spending, and high inventory levels.

Shrimp is a vital product, accounting for 40% to 45% of the total export value of Vietnam’s seafood industry. Although Vietnamese shrimp exports are showing signs of improvement, the recovery is occurring later than initially anticipated. Truong Dinh Hoe, the general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, indicated that the improvement is based on export data from March, April, and May, which indicated increased shrimp imports from Vietnam and other countries and progress in resolving inventory issues. If the market recovers from July, there should be an adequate supply of raw shrimp in the coming period.

However, Hoe predicts that shrimp exports will only reach $3 billion by the end of the year, which, although considered a success, falls short of the industry’s target of over $4.3 billion for this year.

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