Building on this foundation, a new generation of young entrepreneurs – the “F2 generation” – is gradually asserting its role as successors, bringing innovation to the industry. As the pangasius value chain faces challenges such as shifting trade policies and environmental barriers, this new leadership brings fresh energy with flexible, modern thinking and a stronger orientation toward sustainability.
Many F2 leaders have studied abroad, gaining early exposure to global management practices and modern consumer trends. Their strategies go beyond boosting export volumes; they emphasize brand building, deep processing, and compliance with international standards such as ASC, BAP, and GlobalGAP – certifications increasingly valued by global consumers.
At Vietfish 2025 – the annual international seafood exhibition – the strong presence of these young entrepreneurs highlighted their growing role. They actively managed booths, introduced new products, and directly connected with importers from Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, showing confidence and international business acumen.
A clear highlight of the F2 strategy is product innovation. Alongside traditional frozen fillets, they are expanding into value-added products such as breaded pangasius, cut portions, canned products, surimi, and even by-product lines like fish oil, fishmeal, and functional foods. This not only enhances added value but also refreshes the image of pangasius in international markets.
The younger generation is also more dynamic in market expansion. In addition to traditional markets, they are actively targeting new destinations such as Brazil, Mexico, and Halal-certified Muslim markets, while leveraging modern distribution channels like retail and e-commerce.
Beyond business growth, the F2 generation also demonstrates social responsibility and environmental commitment. They invest in circular aquaculture technologies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and pay attention to worker welfare and farming communities. These practical steps reflect a sustainable development mindset – a crucial factor for maintaining and expanding pangasius’ presence in high-end markets.
The strong emergence of the F2 generation not only carries forward the achievements of their predecessors but also opens new directions, with the ambition of elevating Vietnamese pangasius into a symbol of “sustainable white protein” on the global seafood map. In a volatile trade environment, it is precisely the spirit of innovation and adaptability of this successor generation – alongside the legacy of the F1 pioneers – that will drive Vietnamese pangasius to overcome challenges and reach further in the future.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn