Vietnam's edible bird's nest industry is worth around $600mn a year, but experts warn that illegal hunting, counterfeit products and weak regulation could threaten its future.

As reported by Vietnam Net, the concerns were raised at a July 15 seminar on swiftlet conservation and the sustainable development of the Khanh Hoa Bird's Nest brand, where officials and industry representatives called for stronger protection of both natural swiftlet populations and intellectual property.

Trinh Minh Hoang, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa's People's Committee, said the province's natural swiftlet colonies are a valuable ecological asset and the foundation of the well-known Khanh Hoa Bird's Nest brand. He noted that the industry has generated jobs, boosted incomes and enhanced the province's reputation.

However, he warned that climate change, environmental degradation, urbanisation and illegal hunting methods, including fine mist nets, are placing growing pressure on swiftlet populations and threatening future harvests.

Trinh Thi Hong Van, Chairwoman of the state-owned Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company, said counterfeit products and trademark infringements have become increasingly common, particularly on Facebook, TikTok, company websites and e-commerce platforms. She said many sellers imitate genuine branding, misleading consumers and undermining fair competition, while offenders often reappear under new accounts after enforcement.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, swiftlet farming has expanded to 23 of Vietnam's 34 provinces and centrally governed cities. The number of purpose-built swiftlet houses rose from 20,344 in 2021 to 29,896 in 2026, increasing by an average of 6.05% annually.

Vietnam produced 234.6 tonnes of raw edible bird's nests in 2025, with Khanh Hoa contributing about 14 tonnes annually from more than 1,400 swiftlet houses. The province also hosts 33 natural swiftlet islands and 173 nesting caves.

Officials said export prospects have improved since Vietnam and China signed an export protocol in April 2025. By April 2026, 20 Vietnamese companies had secured approval to export bird's nest products to China through official channels.

Authorities also stressed the need for stronger research, better industry planning and tougher enforcement against illegal hunting. New regulations taking effect on August 5 will impose heavier fines for unlawful hunting, excessive noise, unauthorised attraction of swiftlets and illegal expansion of swiftlet houses.