Pangasius is considered a key product of Vietnam. Many provinces and cities in the country, especially those in the Mekong Delta such as Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho, and Vinh Long, have favorable natural conditions for pangasius farming. These provinces have a combined farming area of about 5,000–6,000 hectares, with an average annual output of 1.6–1.8 million tons.
In the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius production reached an estimated 871,900 tons, up 4.5% year-on-year. Export turnover reached USD 1.023 billion, up 11%. Dong Thap alone accounted for about 35% of the nation’s total production and export value.
Thanks to the application of advanced technologies and compliance with quality standards such as ASC, GlobalGAP, and BAP, Dong Thap pangasius continues to penetrate major markets including China, the U.S., and the EU.
In 2025, Dong Thap has set a target of developing a sustainable, modern pangasius sector with significant progress in science, technology, and clean production. The province plans to expand farming area to 2,640 hectares (an increase of 190 ha), with an output of 555,000 tons and a production value of VND 9,046.5 billion. The province’s pangasius export value is expected to exceed USD 980 million.
Key goals include improving product quality, ensuring that 100% of pangasius farms are digitally coded with identification numbers, 100% of commercial pangasius farms are certified for food safety production, and 50% of farming areas apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). In addition, the province aims to enhance fingerling quality, with more than 75% of pangasius seed used for commercial farming being high-quality stock.
Mr. Huynh Tat Dat, Deputy Director of Dong Thap’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated: “The province is restructuring the pangasius sector, focusing on water environment monitoring, digital transformation in management and operation such as zoning management, identification coding, production information, market access, and aquaculture environments adapted to climate change and sustainable development. At the same time, the province continues implementing the project on linking three-tier high-quality pangasius seed production, encouraging small-scale hatcheries and commercial farms to join together in clubs, cooperatives, and associations to create larger volumes of product with uniform quality.”
According to the Vietnam Pangasius Association, Dong Thap should further focus on solutions to enhance the value of the pangasius industry. Local seafood processors and exporters need to conduct in-depth market research to produce products tailored to each region. Farmers must adopt new farming practices, improve breeding, lower stocking densities, and prevent diseases to ensure faster growth, reduced costs, and stronger competitiveness. In addition, science and technology application should be expanded to modernize production processes and integrate advanced technologies into farming and processing.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Aquaculture, capture fisheries, and seed production activities in Lam Dong in the early months of 2026 continued to show positive signs, with both output and farming area slightly increasing compared to the same period, contributing to maintaining overall industry stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, tuna exports in the first month of 2026 reached over USD 75 million, up 13% compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, exports increased in most key markets such as Japan, the EU, and Russia, while exports to the United States fell by 6%—a contrasting development amid ongoing adjustments in U.S. import tariff policies and new compliance requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect at the beginning of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
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