Amidst a highly optimistic outlook for Vietnam's seafood export market, with increased demand from the US, China, the Middle East, and ASEAN, along with recent surges in imports from the UK, Brazil, and Thailand to cater to the year-end shopping season, Vietnamese pangasius exporters are seizing new opportunities.
International Development and Investment Corporation (IDI), a key member of the Sao Mai Group, has consistently ranked among the top largest seafood producers and exporters in Vietnam. In 2024, the company was one of the six Vietnamese pangasius exporters to benefit from the low anti-dumping duty (POR19) announced by the US Department of Commerce. This preferential tariff policy has opened up significant export market opportunities for IDI in the US.
Previously, in July 2024, IDI signed a strategic partnership agreement to develop the US and South American markets with PATAGONIA CUISINE LLC - ATLANTA, Georgia. The two companies have joined forces to successfully build the "IDI brand" and strengthen the foundation for sustainable development.
After a period of being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, IDI has made a strong comeback, demonstrating its resilience and bold post-pandemic strategies. The company's 2024 customer conference, held from November 1st to 4th, marked a significant milestone as the company shifted from a preparatory phase to a sprint.
With an annual production capacity of approximately 100,000 tons of raw fish, IDI achieved nearly 90% of its raw material production plan in the first 10 months of 2024, of which 80% was sourced from linked farming areas. This demonstrates the stability of this model over the years, enabling IDI to have full control over pricing and market exploitation in all circumstances.
With the motto "Product quality and business reputation build the brand," the commercial fish output from IDI's linked farming areas consistently exceeds in both quantity and quality, receiving high market appreciation. IDI's products are now present in 50 countries and territories worldwide.
The quality of commercial pangasius is ensured by various factors, including the extensive experience of member farmers, quality of broodstock , and feed. Among these, Sao Mai Superfeed, a "smart choice" for aquaculture feed, is favored by farmers and customers, considered the key to success.
Within the framework of the aquaculture customer conference, Sao Mai Superfeed introduced a new product line called SMT24, with a protein content and micronutrients suitable for the current market, helping farmers save costs while achieving high yields and quality of commercial fish.
Specializing in pangasius feed with various product lines for each stage of commercial fish: fingerlings , adults, and harvestable fish , Sao Mai Superfeed is boosting its production capacity to 500,000 tons per year to meet the growing demand for pangasius exports. The emergence of Sao Mai Superfeed is a crucial link connecting IDI, closing the loop in the aquaculture and seafood export processing of the Sao Mai Group.
According to the plan, IDI is developing a high-quality seed center; constructing a US seafood processing plant (also known as plant number 3) with an investment of nearly VND 1,000 billion and a capacity of 120 tons/day, with an expected output of 20,000 tons of frozen fillets per year.
Although seafood exports have shown signs of recovery, they continue to face many difficulties due to global economic uncertainties. However, IDI, with its proactive and agile approach to seizing opportunities, has developed many positive and flexible solutions to respond to the complex developments of the consumer market.
IDI is continuously improving modern and civilized management processes, enhancing product quality, applying advanced and clean production technologies, ensuring absolute food safety, and reducing costs to increase competitiveness. IDI is determined to achieve its target of a 276% growth in profit as set out by the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 closed with a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s total shrimp export turnover in 2025 reached USD 4.6 billion, up 19% compared to 2024 and the highest level ever recorded.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the 2026–2030 period, Quang Tri province aims to convert 771 fishing vessels currently engaged in activities detrimental to marine resources and the ecological environment to more environmentally friendly fishing practices or shift entirely to other economic sectors.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) 2025 recorded a breakthrough growth in Vietnam’s tilapia exports, in which the U.S market emerging as the primary growth driver. The total export turnover of Vietnamese tilapia to the United States reached $53.15 million during the year, surging 173% year-on-year and accounting for 54% of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value, thereby making the U.S the largest import market for this commodity. Compared to 2024, tilapia exports to the U.S posted robust growth, reflecting the import demand as well as the ability of Vietnamese enterprises to capitalize on market opportunities amidst volatile global competitive dynamics.
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