Vietnam’s fishing industry is a vital sector of its economy, ranking among the world’s top seafood exporters. The country’s coastal waters and extensive river systems support a diverse array of fish catches, with the most prominent species including pangasius (basa or tra catfish), shrimp (especially black tiger and whiteleg), tuna, mackerel, anchovy, and squid. Historically, fishing in Vietnam has deep roots, with traditional small-scale fishing communities thriving for centuries along the Mekong Delta and central coast. Since the 1980s, the industry has rapidly modernized and expanded, shifting from subsistence to commercial operations and aquaculture, particularly in the Mekong and Red River deltas. Today, Vietnam is a global leader in pangasius and shrimp exports, with its seafood reaching over 160 countries, though the industry faces challenges such as overfishing, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable practices.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marine fishes nei | 2,388,321 |
| 2 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 370,710 |
| 3 | Cephalopods nei | 340,410 |
| 4 | Natantian decapods nei | 152,482 |
| 5 | Freshwater fishes nei | 131,936 |
| 6 | Skipjack tuna | 75,344 |
| 7 | Marine crabs nei | 56,964 |
| 8 | Marine molluscs nei | 47,407 |
| 9 | Yellowfin tuna | 19,941 |
| 10 | Siamese crocodile | 6,412 |
| 11 | Bigeye tuna | 2,208 |
| 12 | Blue marlin | 1,567 |
| 13 | Swordfish | 1,472 |
| 14 | Black marlin | 915 |
| 15 | Lobsters nei | 203 |
| 16 | Albacore | 122 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.