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) Lobster exports to China continued to surge in the first half of this year, putting the lobster industry on the verge of reaching an export value exceeding $1 billion.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) More than five years after the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) took effect, Vietnamese seafood is steadily expanding its market share in the United Kingdom, one of Europe’s major seafood import markets with stable and diverse consumer demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At Van Hung Commune, Khanh Hoa Province, the Khanh Hoa Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with the Northern Aquaculture Research Center and the Van Hung Public Service Center, organized a technical training course on the industrial-scale production of disease-free golden pompano (Trachinotus falcatus) seed for local marine fish farmers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports maintained a strong recovery in the first five months of 2026, reaching more than USD 302 million, up 17% compared to the same period in 2025. Growth was primarily driven by Asian markets, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China, while exports to the United States and the European Union continued to face headwinds from cautious consumer demand and increasingly stringent compliance requirements.
Vietnamese seafood giant Minh Phu Group has inaugurated a VND1.5 trillion (US$57.4 million) seafood processing plant in Ca Mau Province.
(vasep.com.vn) From 19–21 August 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the theme "Innovation – Sustainability", Vietfish 2026 continues to serve as Vietnam's flagship annual seafood event, bringing together seafood producers, exporters, importers, buyers, industry experts, government agencies, and stakeholders from across the domestic and global seafood value chain.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in May 2026, reaching USD 14 million, up 18% compared with the same month last year. Cumulative export value for the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 62 million, representing a remarkable 101% increase over the same period in 2025, highlighting the sector’s strong recovery in international markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 367 million in the first five months of 2026, down 7% compared to the same period in 2025. While the decline is not yet severe, the more concerning issue is that pressure is mounting in key markets such as the United States and the European Union, just as ocean freight rates are rising sharply on long-haul routes. The current situation is therefore not merely about slower orders, but rather a clear restructuring phase for Vietnam’s tuna industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(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.
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