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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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