Can Tho is one of the localities with advantages and potential in production, processing and consumption of pangasius. In the past years, there have been many challenges for Vietnamese seafood exports such as technical barriers, trade protection and quality control regulations of import markets; raw materials for processing; the competitiveness of the product, especially anti-dumping lawsuits, the U.S Farm Bill 2014, which had a considerable impact on the production and consumption of pangasius.
However, before the above difficulties, the pangasius enterprises have found solutions to solve the market and shifting export markets. In addition, businesses have applied good practice standards to enhance value added products, so the production and consumption of pangasius of Tho city in 2017 had achieved positive results.
In 2017, the total farming area of Can Tho province was 733 ha, surpassing 05% in comparison with the same period in 2016. The harvested yield was over 174 thousand MT, exceeding 6.4% over the same period in 2016 and the yield hit nearly 289 MT/ha. The pangasius export turnover of Can Tho in 2017 reached US$557.4 million, up 1.35% over the same period in 2016 (US$550 million).
In the past few years, in order to improve the value added and meet the requirements of export markets, farmers and businesses in pangasius production and processing in the area have increased the practice of farming according to standards such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, ASC, BAP, ... The remaining facilities are striving to apply standard measures to ensure food safety products. In addition, the province has developed the project " Supporting pangasius farms in Can Tho to apply Good Aquaculture Practices (VietGAP)".
By the end of 2017, pangasius farming area that was certified under the standards hit 234.94 ha, accounting for 40.9% of total pangasius farming area (574 ha); of which, there was 224.94 ha with VietGAP certification and 10 ha with BAP + ASC certification. Pangasius farming area is forecasted to rise as the province has implemented the plan "Supporting pangasius farms in Can Tho to apply Good Aquaculture Practices (VietGAP)".
In 2018, the commercial pangasius farming area in Can Tho city is projected to reach 750 hectares with the output of over 163 thousand MT.
In the coming time, Can Tho’s Sub-Department of Fisheries will effectively implement the Can Tho Agricultural Restructuring Project in the direction of increasing value added and sustainable development by 2020 with the orientation to 2030. The agency develops planning of aquaculture areas in 04 districts (Thot Not, Vinh Thanh, O Mon, Co Do). It implements the review of fishery planning and construction of safe pangasius farming areas to develop sustainable pangasius farming. The agency also encourages businesses, cooperatives and farming households in Can Tho to apply the standards such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, ASC, BAP, ... to improve the quality of products. It reorganizes aquaculture households in the form of linkages such as cooperative groups, co-operatives ... Besides, it promotes the role of associations in organizing the linkages between the stages of production and consumption; facilitates pangasius households to promote food safety products to consumers. Moreover, the agency builds the chain of production and processing materials – consumption; expands and encourages "Outsourcing" linking; “farming from contracts"; as well as develop linkage to protect stakeholder interests.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports exceeded $527 million in the first eight months of 2026, marking a 15% year-on-year increase. This growth is particularly notable given the strong baseline established in 2025, when export turnover for the same period reached $458 million, a 13% rise from 2024.
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