The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is advancing growth in Vietnam’s aquaculture sector through new partnerships.

Vietnam is Southeast Asia’s third-largest U.S. Soy importer. In marketing year 2023/2024, total soy imports to the country reached an estimated 2.2 million metric tons of whole soybeans and 5.9 million metric tons of soybean meal to meet growing demand. Vietnam is one of the top five largest aquaculture producers globally, with aquaculture alone contributing 4-5% of national GDP. U.S. Soy has become a vital component of aquafeed. As demand rises, soybean meal consumption is forecasted to reach 6 MMT in 2025, reflecting a recovery in feed demand and long-term market momentum.

To sustain this growth, collaboration across the value chain is essential. “Partnerships are at the heart of USSEC’s work,” said Carlos Salinas, USSEC Executive Director for East Asia. “They allow us to align global expertise with local innovation, creating shared value across the food and feed sectors. By working closely with industry partners, we can advance sustainability, improve productivity, and strengthen long-term food security in the region.”

Strengthening Vietnam’s leadership in sustainable aquaculture

USSEC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, support international sustainability certifications, and encourage the use of U.S. Soy ingredients in aquafeeds to enhance feed quality and competitiveness. The three-year partnership also focuses on technical training, knowledge exchange, and collaboration to advance Vietnam’s aquaculture sector.

“This MOU with USSEC strengthens our shared mission to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of Vietnam’s aquaculture sector,” said Nguyen Viet Thang, President, Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS). “Through training, cooperation, and knowledge sharing, we aim to elevate industry standards and promote the global reputation of Vietnam’s aquaculture products.”

Viet Nhat Feedmill recognized for commitment to sustainability

USSEC also marked a major milestone with Viet Nhat Feedmill, which has, for the first time, featured the Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy (SUSS) label on its aquafeed bags. USSEC recognized Viet Nhat Feedmill for its leadership in sustainability, honoring the company’s role in making sustainability both a business priority and a consumer promise in a ceremony in Hanoi.

Sustainable U.S. Soy is grown using verified sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, air quality, and water management. The Fed with SUSS on-pack label, introduced in 2023, is available to international companies at no cost and requires at least 60% of soy in the feed ration to be sustainably sourced from U.S. Soy verified through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP).

“We are proud to feature the ‘Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy’ label on our aquafeed products for the first time,” said Tran Trung Kien, CEO, Viet Nhat Feedmill. “This marks an important step in our commitment to sustainable sourcing and high-quality feed production that supports the long-term growth of Vietnam’s aquaculture industry.”

“Vietnam’s aquaculture sector continues to grow rapidly, and feed innovation is key to sustaining that progress,” said Timothy Loh, USSEC Regional Director for East Asia. “U.S. Soy offers consistent quality, verified sustainability, and the tools to enhance performance while meeting international standards for responsible production.”