High-tech shrimp farming brings big profits for Mekong Delta farmers as prices rise

In Dong Thap, high-tech farmed white-leg shrimp size 40 pcs/kg is currently priced at VND 130,000/kg; size 30 pcs/kg at VND 165,000/kg; and size 25 pcs/kg at VND 210,000/kg, up more than 10% from last month. With shrimp size 30 pcs/kg, production costs are only about VND 90,000/kg (excluding depreciation), allowing farmers to earn over VND 50,000/kg in profit.

Ngo Minh Tuan, owner of five farms covering 36 hectares of high-tech shrimp ponds in Tan Phu Dong Commune, Dong Thap, said: “Shrimp prices are very favorable right now, especially for large-size shrimp. If farmers apply the right techniques and sell at good prices, profits are excellent.”

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap Province, the province currently has more than 12,600 hectares of coastal aquaculture, of which shrimp farming accounts for 4,890 hectares. Intensive shrimp farming covers about 3,200 hectares, while high-tech models are still limited to just over 100 hectares.

Not only in Dong Thap, the national shrimp sector is also showing positive growth. According to the General Statistics Office, in the first eight months of 2025, aquatic production reached more than 6.4 million tons, up 3% year-on-year; shrimp production alone reached 954,200 tons, up 5.6%.

Globally, the shrimp market remains volatile. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), white-leg shrimp prices in week 36 (September 1–7, 2025) remained generally stable under the influence of U.S. tariffs. The global shrimp price index for 60 pcs/kg stood at USD 3.63/kg, up 2% year-on-year. In Vietnam, prices have been rising for two consecutive months, reaching about USD 4.85/kg for 40 pcs/kg shrimp - higher than in many other exporting countries.

In contrast, other major exporters are facing difficulties. In India, shrimp exports to the U.S. face an additional 50% tariff, causing domestic prices to fall by about INR 5/kg. In China, prices in Guangdong dropped to USD 4.77/kg due to weak demand. Indonesia has seen a slight recovery, though prices remain 7% lower than last year. Ecuador has maintained stable prices, but social unrest and unfavorable weather are negatively affecting production.

Against this challenging backdrop, Vietnam is considered a bright spot as shrimp prices remain high and reduced supply creates a competitive edge. However, to sustain long-term efficiency, provinces such as Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Can Tho, An Giang, and Ca Mau need to expand high-tech farming models, strengthen disease control, ensure biosecurity, and foster stronger linkages with processing and exporting enterprises.

* $1 = VND 26.468 - Source: Vietcombank.