China's opening up more boldly than in 2023 causes value of pangasius exports to this market to gradually increase again. In 2024, Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) expects demand from China to recover better than in 2023.
Ms. Thanh Hieu - representative of Thanh Hieu Foodstuff Company Limited (Tan Binh district, Ho Chi Minh City) said that with main processed products such as pangasius, black tilapia, basa fish... Thanh Hieu Foodstuff specializes in exporting to the Middle East, Africa and some Asian countries.
From the end of 2023, Chinese market shows strongest signs of recovery. This is also a quite favorable market for Vietnamese enterprises thanks to its contiguous geographical location, making transportation process faster and more economical.
Therefore, in 2024, Thanh Hieu Foodstuff will make efforts to find more customers in China. At the same time, continue to maintain trade connections with old customers, maintain reputation and connect with new customers to extent possible.
Positive signals from Chinese market were also given by Vinh Hoan Joint Stock Company. According to Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Thu, Director of Vinh Hoan Business Division, customers from import markets are more interested in pangasius products. In particular, demand for imported pangasius from China also recovered when this product was widely used and loved in restaurant systems.
Assessing prospect of exporting pangasius to Chinese market, VASEP recognizes that in 2024, China will be a high-growth area for pangasius consumption, especially after the country lifts restrictions on imported goods to prevent Covid epidemic. The loosening of nucleic acid testing control policies has partly helped improve demand for food and seafood in this market. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese pangasius to penetrate deeper and increase export turnover into this market. “Consumers in mainland China are still Vietnam's largest customers for pangasius consumption. Currently, Chinese businesses are stockpiling goods to supply huge demand during the Lunar New Year holiday for hotels, restaurants and service and tourism industry," VASEP informed.
VASEP also noted that although Vietnam's annual pangasius productivity and output is still high, it must compete with many countries. Therefore, to promote exports, businesses need to make changes to production regulations to promote trade and improve the market. At the same time, take advantage of processing by-products to create new value. In 2024, it is predicted that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in many markets will still be large, however pangasius exports in 2024 will not only focus on frozen fillets, Vietnam's strong product, but will also expand value-added pangasius products and products of fish maw, pangasius balls.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn