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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Although Germany’s tuna imports have declined, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the market continue to show positive signs. Notably, export value recovered strongly in Q3/2026, and German import data also show Vietnamese products strengthening their position amid competition among suppliers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Seafood exports are holding double-digit growth, but the opportunities are not spread evenly across product groups and markets. As businesses draw up their plans for 2027, Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS2026) offers a chance to look ahead together: what to sell, where to sell it, and how to prepare for growth in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than two weeks to go, the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) will officially take place in Can Tho. Under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029 – Opportunities and Potential for Double-Digit Export Growth,” the Summit is organized by VASEP at a time when seafood businesses are facing rapid market shifts, changing buyer demand, trade policy changes and growing competitive pressure all at once.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 28, 2026, the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo opened in Qingdao, China. The expo takes place over three days from October 28 to 30, 2026. This is a prestigious specialized seafood exhibition organized annually by Sea Fare Exposition Inc.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the CPTPP bloc reached $7 million, marking a 51% year-on-year increase. The bloc rstands as the fourth-largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, trailing Brazil, the US, and Saudi Arabia.
(vasep.com.vn) VASEP has officially announced the program for Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026), featuring five in-depth sessions covering industry outlooks, trade barriers, buyer demand, the domestic market, and solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs across the seafood value chain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(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 - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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