Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Vietnam: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Vietnam source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are pangasius, shrimp, tilapia; typical water temperatures are 22–32 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.08 per kWh.

Vietnam is a global leader in pangasius and shrimp exports; Mekong Delta farms invest in super-intensive lined ponds, sludge removal and processing lines.

Key planning facts

Main species
pangasius, shrimp, tilapia
Common systems
Ponds, RAS (recirculating), Cages
Water temperature
22–32 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.08 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 0.60 / m³
Compound feed
≈ ₫25,500 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
10%
Currency
VND (≈ 25500 / USD)
Licensing authority
Directorate of Fisheries (MARD)
Main import ports
Ho Chi Minh City (Cát Lái), Hai Phong and Cái Mép
See vetted supplier categories for Vietnam

What to check before requesting quotes in Vietnam

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (22–32 °C) for pangasius.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.08/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with Directorate of Fisheries (MARD).
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Ho Chi Minh City (Cát Lái), Hai Phong and Cái Mép.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 0.60 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 10% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Vietnam?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Vietnam costs roughly ₫40.2B (≈ $1.6M) – ₫62.5B (≈ $2.5M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Vietnam?

Commercial projects in Vietnam mainly focus on pangasius, shrimp, tilapia.

Who licenses aquaculture in Vietnam?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve Directorate of Fisheries (MARD). Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Vietnam questions: see the market FAQ

This page in other languages

Other aquaculture markets

Start a reviewed RFQ