U.S. market drives sharp rise in tilapia prices

At this time of year, farmers in the districts of Cau Ngang, Tra Cu, Chau Thanh (Tra Vinh Province) are harvesting tilapia farmed in integrated systems with whiteleg shrimp.

According to local farmers, thanks to exports to the U.S. market, the price of commercial tilapia has doubled from 15,000 VND to 36,000 VND per kilogram, enabling high profits. With a stocking density of about 10 fish per square meter, after five months of farming, the fish reach an average weight of 700–750 grams. After deducting costs, farmers earn a profit of approximately 10,000 VND per kilogram.

The Tra Vinh Agricultural Extension Center states that tilapia is an easy-to-raise species with rarely affected by disease, suitable for rotational farming in shrimp ponds. Beyond economic benefits, tilapia consumes excess feed, reduces organic waste, and suppresses bacteria and pathogens affecting shrimp, contributing to improved water quality for the next shrimp crop.

Currently, the province has around 106 hectares of tilapia farming dedicated to export markets, in addition to more than 60 hectares operated by Cuu Long Seafood Joint Stock Company.

According to the Tra Vinh Department of Agriculture and Environment, over 2,300 aquaculture households in the province have been issued official certifications. These operations are concentrated in Duyen Hai District, Duyen Hai Town, Cau Ngang, Chau Thanh, and Tra Cu. Authorities recommend that farmers use high-quality fingerlings, follow proper farming practices, and establish partnerships with enterprises in the production–consumption chain to ensure sustainable development and expand export opportunities for tilapia.

By Department of Agriculture and Environment