According to Ms. Lan, opportunities for the pangasius industry include positive anti-dumping outcomes, reduced inventory levels in key markets, and a more balanced supply of raw fish compared to 2023. Additional prospects come from the U.S. economic recovery, potential market share increases in smaller markets, and a significant untapped global potential for pangasius products.
Ms. Pham Thi Thu Hong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Pangasius Association, stated that over 100 pangasius processing companies are operating nationwide, primarily located in An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Hau Giang, and Vinh Long. Annual pangasius production exceeds 1.6 million tons. Equipped with modern machinery, these companies meet the stringent standards of demanding markets such as Europe and North America.
Raw pangasius consumption remains relatively stable, with the selling price of commercial pangasius (0.7–0.8 kg per fish) ranging from VND26,400 to VND 27,600 per kilogram. At the same time, reduced production costs, due to lower feed prices, have allowed farmers to achieve profitable margins.
In Dong Thap, 27 pangasius processing companies operate with a designed capacity of around 700,000 tons per year. A standout is the multinational IDI Company of Sao Mai Group. Several pangasius processors in Dong Thap province have weathered challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic crisis, and continued to invest heavily in exports. These achievements highlight the resilience of the pangasius industry in the Mekong Delta.
Mr. Truong Vinh Thanh, Deputy General Director of Sao Mai Group, noted that IDI currently operates two pangasius processing plants for export and plans to establish a third plant focused on exporting to the U.S. Additionally, IDI is involved in refining fish oil and producing edible oil derived from fish fat.
Despite these favorable conditions, the pangasius industry faces significant challenges. Rising fuel and input material costs have increased production expenses, affecting farmers profitability. Many raw fish farmers struggle to secure bank loans due to the lack of collateral, as most lease their ponds. Furthermore, slow consumption has extended farming periods, increasing production costs and reducing the profitability of commercial and breeding fish farmers.
In the first nine months of 2024, the pangasius industry faced various obstacles. However, thanks to the leadership of enterprises, the hard work and creativity of farmers, robust support from science and technology, and the collaboration of government authorities, the industry has returned to growth, maintaining its momentum.
Ms. Pham Thi Thu Hong highlighted the limited focus on deep processing and by-product utilization among processing companies. This not only increases waste and environmental pollution but also drives up production costs. Furthermore, farming areas are fragmented, small-scale, and lack synchronized infrastructure, making environmental protection efforts more difficult.
Ignoring environmental concerns in pursuit of profit could lead to severe water and environmental pollution. Thus, it is crucial for localities to develop synchronized farming zones with integrated environmental protection measures. Expanding sustainable pangasius farming models and utilizing recovered sludge could yield significant economic benefits.
Most pangasius processing and exporting companies adhere to international quality management and food safety standards, such as HACCP, BRC, Global GAP, IFS, ASC, and BAP certifications, to meet the demands of various markets. Ensuring compliance with these standards is vital for exporting to over 150 countries.
Ms. To Thi Tuong Lan outlined the 2025 goal of achieving a production output of approximately 1.65 million tons and an export turnover of USD2 billion. Key solutions include advancing breeding programs to improve the quality of pangasius adapted to climate change. The association also emphasizes researching alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil in feed production, such as plant-based ingredients, insects, microalgae, microbial protein, and seaweed. Additionally, continuous improvement in breeding, raw fish production, and processing is essential to enhance product quality and meet international standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in February 2026 reached approximately USD 707 million, up 8% compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, exports in the first two months of 2026 totaled USD 1.7 billion, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year. The results show that the sector’s recovery momentum has remained relatively solid following strong growth in January, although the pace slowed noticeably in February for several key products and major markets. Within the overall picture, shrimp continues to be the largest pillar, pangasius rebounds strongly, while tuna exports and the U.S. and Korean markets are sending signals that warrant closer monitoring. In March, seafood exports are expected to gain additional momentum from markets other than the U.S., potentially supporting stronger growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, fishing activities in Quang Tri province recorded many positive signals, with output reaching over 15,941 tons. This result not only demonstrates fishermen’s efforts to stay offshore but also reflects the effectiveness of management and support measures implemented by local authorities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, IUU prevention models focused on communication and mobilizing fishermen to comply with fisheries laws and avoid encroaching on foreign waters—related to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—have been implemented in coastal localities of Lam Dong province and have delivered initial positive results.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The sharp rise in raw pangasius prices to record levels is sending positive signals for the industry, but experts warn of potential supply–demand imbalances if production is not tightly controlled.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the country’s total canned tuna export value in 2025 reached over USD 275 million, down 8% compared to 2024. Vietnamese canned tuna products were present in approximately 80 markets worldwide. However, the 2025 picture shows clear divergence: the U.S. maintained stability, the EU declined sharply, while several Middle East–North Africa (MENA) markets accelerated.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s crab exports reached nearly USD 86 million, up almost 6% compared to 2024. A notable feature of 2025 was the strong market concentration in the United States, which accounted for more than 81% of Vietnam’s total crab export value, up 10% from the previous year. In contrast, exports to several Asian markets declined significantly, resulting in only modest overall growth for the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded impressive growth, with total export turnover reaching over USD 99 million, highlighting the increasingly important role of this product in the country’s seafood export structure. Of this total, tilapia fillets and other fish meat products accounted for USD 61 million, representing 61% of total export value and reaffirming their position as the key product category.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp seed quality is considered the “first link” and a decisive factor affecting the efficiency of the entire commercial shrimp production chain. High-quality seed directly influences survival rates, growth performance, and disease resistance, thereby determining production costs, productivity, and farmers’ profitability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of its agricultural restructuring strategy toward sustainability, Quang Tri Province is gradually promoting environmentally friendly aquaculture models. Among these, organic-oriented golden pompano farming is considered a promising direction, aligned with the goals of enhancing production value and building sustainable rural areas.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
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