The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is advancing sustainable growth in Vietnam’s aquaculture sector through new partnerships that reinforce shared commitments to innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. These efforts underscore U.S. Soy’s role as a trusted partner in supporting the country’s aquaculture development and long- term food security. This collaboration drives innovation and shared goals for responsible growth.
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 tonnes of whole soybeans and 5.9 million tonnes of soybean meal to meet growing demand (USDA Foreign Agricultural Service). Vietnam is one of the top five largest aquaculture producers globally (SEAFDEC, 2023) with aquaculture alone contributing 4–5% of national GDP.
U.S. Soy has become a vital component of aquafeed, thanks to its consistent quality and performance, supporting the sector’s continued growth. As demand rises, soybean meal consumption is forecasted to reach 6 million tonnes in 2025 (USDA), reflecting a recovery in feed demand and long-term market momentum.
To sustain this growth responsibly, collaboration across the value chain is essential.
“Partnerships are at the heart of USSEC’s work, 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.”
said Carlos Salinas, USSEC Executive Director for East Asia.
(Sources: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Production, Supply and Distribution, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Global Agricultural Trade System; SEAFDEC (2023). Fishery statistic summary 2020. https://www.seafdec.org/stat2020/ and USDA).
Strengthening Vietnam’s leadership in sustainable aquaculture
USSEC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) on 13 October 2025 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.
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 proudly 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 percent of soy in the feed ration to be sustainably sourced from U.S. Soy verified through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP)4
“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.”
Sustainable Soy for a Sustainable Future
“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.”
These collaborations, led by USSEC’s Southeast Asia Aquaculture team, reaffirm USSEC’s commitment to building long-term partnerships across Vietnam’s aquaculture value chain. By combining technical cooperation with sustainable feed solutions, USSEC continues to support the country’s transition toward traceable, responsible, and efficient production systems.
