Pangasius exports have the opportunity to break through

According to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), entering 2026, the pangasius industry is facing a breakthrough opportunity with the goal of achieving export turnover of 2.3 billion USD.

In 2025, the pangasius industry will continue to play a crucial role in the country's aquaculture structure and exports. The total farming area nationwide will reach over 5,500 hectares, with production reaching 1.74 million tons, exceeding the plan by 6%. Export turnover will reach 2.1 billion USD, exceeding the target by 5%.

VASEP predicts that, entering 2026, the market will see very positive signals right from the first months of the year. In the Mekong Delta region, the price of raw pangasius has increased to 33,000 - 34,000 VND/kg, significantly higher than the same period last year. This price level not only helps farmers improve their profits after a long period of cost pressure but also helps stabilize production sentiment in key farming areas.

Analyzing the outlook for 2026, VASEP believes that, despite the volatile global context, demand from major markets such as China, the US, and the EU is clearly recovering. VASEP recommends that businesses should more effectively utilize Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and diversify their markets to reduce dependence on major partners, thereby maintaining sustainable growth.

However, in light of the rising fish prices, agricultural authorities are warning people against expanding their farming areas en masse to avoid the risk of oversupply. Instead, they should focus on adhering to seasonal schedules, controlling stocking density, and strengthening supply chain linkages to ensure stable output.

In its orientation for 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment emphasized that the pangasius industry needs a "test" to adapt to political and tariff challenges. The Ministry affirmed that if it continues to compete on low prices and monotonous products, the industry will find it difficult to maintain its advantage in the long term.

The entire industry needs to shift from a production-oriented mindset to a value-oriented mindset. This is a strategic step to reposition the Vietnamese pangasius brand on the world map.

To realize this, research and management of breeding stock are prioritized. The Ministry proposes including the infrastructure of breeding and concentrated farming areas in localities such as Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho, Tay Ninh... in the medium-term investment plan for the period 2026 - 2030.

Another key task in 2026 is to promote the application of high technology and comprehensive digital transformation. Traceability and aquaculture management using digital data will not only improve management efficiency but also meet the stringent standards of high-end markets.

The pangasius industry has begun implementing "food carbon" measurement measures – determining the amount of CO₂ emitted during production. This is considered a "green passport" that will help Vietnamese pangasius penetrate markets with high environmental protection requirements, aiming for green and sustainable growth.

With a combination of favorable market signals and decisive directions from regulatory agencies, the Vietnamese pangasius industry expects not only to achieve the target of $2.3 billion but also to establish a new position: higher quality, greater transparency, and higher value.

Source: Vietnamese businesses News