However, the fish industry has been facing some difficulties. Rising prices of feed, drugs and raw material were transferred into a higher production cost, weakening links between fish farmers and processors.
On August 21st, 2013, Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) cooperated with the Southwestern region’s Direction Board to organize a conference on pangasius production and consumption in Mekong Delta in Can Tho province. Its objective is to review pangasius production and export activities in the region, set up plans for fish production in the coming months of the year and hear recommendations on the draft Decree on pangasius farming, processing and export before it is submitted to be approved by the government.
According to some participants to the conference, there have been weaknesses in the planning and management of pangasius production in some localities, which caused an oversupply in domestic market. Nguyen Huu Duzng, Vice President of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), recommended that production planning and management should be considered as the priorities of Vietnam pangasius industry. The industry need to expand consumer markets to enhance demands for pangasius products. It is also necessary to set quota for producing provinces in order to remain balance between supply and demand. The State Bank of Vietnam should have policies to offer more loans to fish farmers, processors and exporters.
Some companies said that their inventory was low at this time of the year, while others have to reduce production because of lack of capital.
Representatives from Hung Vuong Corporation and Cafatex Corporation recommended that the new decree must set up conditions for eligible exporters and regulations on pangasius output management. According to Nguyen Van Kich, Director or Cafatex Corporation,regulations on pangasius production management must be introduced to the Decree because better production management will help increase the fish price.
Vu Van Tam, Deputy Minister of MARD said that in the first seven months of 2013, despite many difficulties, Vietnam pangasius industry still kept farming activities on track to remain fish output at the same level of 2012. In the coming months of 2013 and 2014, pangasius companies are predicted to face challenges from importing markets. Therefore, it is important to apply technologies in the supply chain in order to reduce production cost, improve product quality as well as consolidate links between fish farmers and processors.
The draft decree will be assessed by MARD, Ministry of Justice and relevant agencies, and scheduled to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval in October 2013.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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