The Sunken Treasure of Vietnam: The Billion-Dollar Marker; A Vietnamese Enterprise Supplies 300,000 Tons Annually.

In the volatile landscape of international trade, the tra fish industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), tra fish exports reached over $1.2 billion in the first seven months of 2025, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This figure attests to the industry’s durability and importance, despite challenges posed by trade policies and global consumption demands.

Frozen tra fish fillets remain the mainstay of export structure. In the past seven months, the export value of this product reached $976 million, an 11% increase year-on-year.

China remains the largest market, importing over $302 million worth of tra fish, accounting for nearly 25% of total exports. The CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) region achieved $208 million, a 34% increase, showcasing the positive impact of free trade agreements. The EU imported $104 million (a 5% increase), while the US market reached $206 million (an 8% increase), maintaining its significance with high standards.

Vinh Hoan—The Trailblazer in the Tra Fish Industry

Amidst this export landscape, Vinh Hoan Joint Stock Company emerges as the leading enterprise for over a decade. In 2024, the company’s export turnover increased by 15% compared to 2023, despite intense competition from rivals.

Vinh Hoan owns six factories in Dong Thap, operating under a closed-loop model from breeding to processing. Annually, the company supplies over 300,000 tons of tra fish to domestic and international markets. With this advantage, Vinh Hoan’s products maintain their presence in demanding markets such as the US, EU, and Japan.

The company’s development strategy revolves around three main pillars:

– Enhancing value through deep-processed products to command higher prices.

– Expanding markets to reduce reliance on specific countries.

– Building a reputable brand to establish trust with global consumers.

A Sustainable Path Forward

Vinh Hoan is committed not only to productivity but also to sustainable development goals. The company adopts a circular economic model, maximizing by-products from tra fish to produce collagen, gelatin, and fish oil. This approach not only boosts economic efficiency but also reduces environmental impact.

Additionally, their farming areas undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments to ensure biodiversity is unaffected, and they maintain an international-standard wastewater treatment system. The company also invests in social infrastructure, such as building bridges and roads and supporting rural electrification in fish farming areas.

Vinh Hoan openly communicates its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy, demonstrating its commitment to the community, employees, and the environment. These efforts have led to prestigious international certifications such as ASC, 4-star BAP, GlobalGAP, and ISO 22000, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable aquaculture in Vietnam.

Currently, Vinh Hoan’s frozen fillets are available in major supermarket chains and distributed to over 30 countries. Alongside exports, the company also focuses on the domestic market, offering 10–12 processed tra fish products for Vietnamese consumers.

Notably, a high-tech three-level tra fish breeding project is underway, promising a breakthrough for the entire industry in the future.

Looking ahead, the tra fish industry will continue to face challenges related to US trade policies and unstable demand in China. However, opportunities arising from FTAs and the trend towards consuming value-added products present an optimistic outlook.

With pioneers like Vinh Hoan leading the way, Vietnamese tra fish not only maintains its global presence but also charts a sustainable course, solidifying the long-term value of this “aquatic treasure.”