Pangasius, a signature product of the Mekong Delta, has long been one of Vietnam’s key seafood exports. But environmental changes are threatening the very conditions that make pangasius farming viable. Climate experts warn that the Mekong Delta is highly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. Salinity intrusion, irregular water levels, and fluctuating temperatures are making it increasingly difficult to maintain suitable water quality for aquaculture.
To adapt, many fish farmers are turning to high-tech farming solutions. These include lined pond systems, water recirculation technologies, and oxygen monitoring sensors. Such innovations have helped mitigate the effects of salinity and unstable water sources, ensuring export-standard product quality. In fact, farmers using these technologies have reported a 15% increase in selling prices.
At the same time, the industry is investing in disease-resistant pangasius breeds—particularly those that can tolerate brackish water. These new strains are helping reduce dependence on antibiotics, which benefits both the environment and public health.
Sustainability standards like ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) and GlobalG.A.P are also gaining traction across the sector. These certifications not only enhance the export value of Vietnamese pangasius but also promote responsible farming practices and natural resource conservation.
One notable initiative launched in 2024 is the "river-in-pond" pangasius farming model in Chau Phu District, An Giang Province. This system uses concrete-bottomed ponds equipped with wave makers, aerators, paddle wheels, and waste suction devices to create a controlled water flow. The result: a consistently clean aquatic environment, reduced pollution, and lower disease risk. According to local authorities, farmers who implemented this model saw production increase by 20–30% compared to traditional methods, while also saving on environmental treatment and antibiotic costs. Reusing water has significantly reduced pollution levels.
In Cao Lanh District of Dong Thap Province, many pangasius farms are adopting ASC-certified practices to meet international market demands. These farms emphasize environmental management, traceable feed, and minimal antibiotic use. The shift has brought measurable results—production costs have dropped by 10–15%, while product prices have risen by 5–10%.
Trần Văn Hải, a farmer in Bình Thạnh Commune, shared: “Since switching to ASC-certified farming, I’ve seen clear improvements. The fish are healthier, there’s less disease, and prices are better than before.”
The adoption of advanced models like "river-in-pond" systems and ASC certification not only boosts economic performance but also contributes to environmental protection and the long-term sustainability of Vietnam’s pangasius industry. These models show that climate-resilient pangasius farming is not only a sustainable solution but also a key to food security and international competitiveness.
In the first four months of 2025, Vietnam’s cumulative pangasius harvest was estimated at 531,300 tons—up 4.8% year-on-year. Raw pangasius prices remained stable and even showed an upward trend from late 2024 through early March 2025, providing farmers with renewed motivation to maintain and expand production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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