AsemconnectVietnam - Right from the beginning of 2026, the Vietnamese pangasius industry has recorded many positive signals, both in terms of raw material prices and export prospects.

It is expected that pangasius export revenue this year will reach approximately US$2.3 billion.
Pangasius exports are on the rise
According to information from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), in the seafood export picture at the beginning of 2026, pangasius is a prominent bright spot with a turnover of over US$177 million, a strong increase of 33.2%. Increased demand from the Chinese, Japanese, and ASEAN markets helped this product become the highest-growth group in January.
At the beginning of 2026, the Vietnamese pangasius industry recorded many positive signals, both in terms of raw material prices and export prospects. It is expected that pangasius export revenue this year could reach approximately US$2.3 billion.
In the context of a volatile global market, diversifying export markets, reducing dependence on large markets, and effectively utilizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating opportunities for breakthroughs in the pangasius industry.
According to Ms. Le Hang, Deputy General Secretary of VASEP, in 2026, the Vietnamese pangasius industry is predicted to face many opportunities as the global supply of naturally caught whitefish continues to tighten. It is projected that the total global whitefish production in 2026 will only reach over 6.5 million tonnes, a decrease of approximately 145,000 tonnes compared to 2025. This trend forces importers, especially in Europe, to seek alternative sources with more stable and sustainable prices.
In this context, Vietnamese pangasius is considered a suitable choice for the product segment with comparable value. The EU market is considered to have the opportunity to benefit from the disruption of the whitefish supply chain, thereby opening up the possibility of increasing pangasius market share from 8% to 10% as targeted. Vietnam also has advantages from the EVFTA Agreement compared to many other suppliers without preferential tariffs.
In 2025, Vietnam's pangasius export turnover is expected to reach over US$2.1 billion.
Proactive raw material supply
In the first months of 2026, the price of raw pangasius in the Mekong Delta increased to VND 33,000 - VND 34,000/kg, significantly higher than the same period last year. This price level helps farmers improve their profits after a long period of pressure from costs and low selling prices, while also contributing to stabilizing production sentiment in key farming areas.
The main reason for the sharp increase in pangasius prices is believed to be the shortage of raw material supply. Pangasius catfish farming has a long cycle of 6-8 months. During the preceding period, prolonged low prices forced many households to abandon their ponds, reduce stocking, or withdraw from the industry. When processing and export demand recovered, the supply of fish ready for harvest was insufficient to meet demand, putting significant pressure on purchase prices.
Experts believe that the peak price of pangasius catfish is a positive sign but also carries risks if production develops uncontrollably. Controlling production volume, proactively securing high-quality breeding stock, and strengthening the supply chain from farming to consumption are considered key to maintaining stable growth in the pangasius catfish industry and avoiding a repeat of the previous cycle of "rapid increase followed by sharp decline."
However, agricultural management agencies advise that even with high pangasius catfish prices, farmers should not indiscriminately expand their farming area. Rapid expansion could lead to oversupply in subsequent cycles, posing risks to both farmers and processing and export businesses. Instead, it is necessary to adhere to seasonal schedules, control stocking density, and strengthen supply chain linkages with businesses to ensure stable output.
Alongside production management, enhancing the brand value of Vietnamese pangasius remains a key objective. The pangasius industry is being oriented towards sustainable value chain development, promoting the application of high technology and digital transformation in farming area management, traceability, and meeting environmental and food safety standards of importing markets.
Many export businesses report that demand from major markets such as China, the US, and Europe is showing signs of recovery, providing impetus for domestic raw pangasius prices.
With the combination of favorable market signals and sustainable development orientation, the pangasius industry is expected to maintain stable growth in 2026 and subsequent years.
CK
Source: VITIC/ thuehaiquan.tapchikinhtetaichinh.vn