Ca Mau Exports Rise on Seafood and Fertilizer
Ca Mau’s economy is accelerating toward year-end as exports climbed above $1.83 billion in the first eight months, led by seafood and a surge in fertilizer shipments that helped the southern province widen its industrial base and strengthen growth momentum.
The export tally reached more than 65% of the full-year plan and was up 11.8% from a year earlier, underscoring how the province’s production chain is still expanding even as it pushes for a double-digit growth finish. Seafood remained the anchor, bringing in more than $1.57 billion, while fertilizer emerged as the standout, rising 89.2% to $215.4 million and reducing dependence on a single product group.
That diversification matters economically because Ca Mau’s model has long relied heavily on seafood, particularly shrimp. A broader export mix gives the province more resilience against swings in farm output, overseas demand and trade barriers, especially as import markets demand stricter standards on traceability and environmental compliance.
The processing side is also gaining traction. Total seafood output in the eight months reached 851,400 tons, up 9.7%, while processed shrimp rose 16.7% to 268,674 tons, outpacing overall shrimp production growth of 7.3%. That suggests more value is being added before products leave the province, a key advantage for margins and export competitiveness.
Industrial activity added to the momentum, with the province’s industrial production index rising 12.6%. Electricity output increased 5.6%, commercial gas 4.5% and fertilizer production 3.2%, pointing to a manufacturing base that is still feeding the export engine.
Domestic demand is also holding up. Retail sales and consumer service revenue rose 18% to 106,178 billion dong, while the province registered 1,237 new businesses with more than 7,801 billion dong in capital. Ca Mau also attracted 37 new projects worth over 32,079 billion dong, including four wind power projects totaling 220 MW, signaling continued investor interest in energy, industry, infrastructure and services.
The main drag is public investment execution. By Aug. 18, disbursement had reached only 40% of plan, leaving room for faster spending to support roads, logistics and projects that can crowd in private capital. LPG-condensate output fell 50.3% and rice output slipped 2.8%, showing the recovery is uneven across sectors.
Tourism is adding another layer to the growth story. The province welcomed about 6.63 million visitors in the eight-month period, generating 6,897 billion dong in revenue, up 10.4%, with officials preparing a second shrimp festival in 2026 to connect aquaculture, trade and travel more tightly.
For investors, the near-term focus is whether Ca Mau can convert strong exports, new projects and tourism gains into a more durable growth cycle. Faster infrastructure spending, deeper processing and continued demand for shrimp and fertilizer will determine whether the province can keep its pace through the final months of the year.
| Entity | Gains | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Ca Mau exporters | ▲Higher foreign sales | ▼Reliance on one product |
| Seafood processors | ▲More value-added output | ▼Margin pressure from standards |
| Fertilizer producers | ▲Export windfall | ▼Cyclical demand risk |
| Public investment pipeline | ▲Potential growth support | ▼Slow disbursement delays impact |