Exports are projected to rise to around US$2.3 billion in 2026, an increase of about 5%. Market diversification, reduced reliance on major markets and more effective use of free trade agreements are identified as key drivers of sustainable growth in the period ahead.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the strong performance in 2025 was supported by a global shortage of whitefish supply, alongside sustained efforts by the business community and coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and key farming localities.

China remains the largest export market, accounting for 27% of total shipments, though growth stands at around 2.3%, below expectations. Markets under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) record growth of 17% to US$340 million, driven mainly by demand from Mexico and Malaysia.

Exports to the United States fell by 3.3% due to reciprocal tariffs, while shipments to the European Union remained stable at 8%. Notably, Russia and the Eurasian market posted growth of up to 35%, thus opening up new expansion potential.

In southern An Giang province, a key pangasius-producing locality, total aquatic output in 2025 hit about 1.6 million tonnes, with aquaculture accounting for more than 1 million tonnes. Pangasius output alone was estimated at around 640,000 tonnes across roughly 1,300 hectares. In 2026, the province targets output of about 670,000 tonnes, in line with its established growth scenario.

Despite positive export results, the pangasius sector continues to face structural challenges, particularly in fingerling supply. Fingerling prices surge to VND 80,000-85,000 per kilogram at peak periods, the highest level on record, pushing up production costs and reducing competitiveness in export markets. This points to the need for a comprehensive review and adjustment of the three-tier pangasius breeding programme to improve its effectiveness in the next phase.

The Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance reported that pangasius output in 2025 is estimated at about 1.74 million tonnes, exceeding the annual target by 6%, with export turnover topping US$2.1 billion. However, the year also marks the first time both farming area and output decline, signalling a potential risk of raw material shortages for processing and exports in the medium term.

Looking ahead, the pangasius sector is expected to shift from a production-focused mindset to a value-oriented development approach, placing greater emphasis on quality, food safety, emissions reduction, value-chain transparency and the development of value-added products. Priority areas include investment in breeding research and production, infrastructure for concentrated farming zones, and stronger chain-based management.

Preparations for US inspection missions in 2026 are also identified as a key task, aimed at safeguarding major export markets and strengthening the international standing of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.

Amid economic headwinds in 2025, the pangasius sector continued to contribute to overall agricultural and economic performance. Vietnam’s exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products exceeded US$70 billion, with fisheries, and pangasius in particular, generating a substantial trade surplus.

The 2026-2030 period places new demands on the industry to pursue a more effective and sustainable development path. Removing bottlenecks in fingerling supply, reorganising production along the value chain, improving quality standards and proactively adapting to international requirements are seen as critical to enabling Vietnam’s pangasius sector to expand further and strengthen its position on the global seafood market.

Tra fish exports forecast to exceed US$2 billion in 2025

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s tra fish (pangasius) exports are projected to surpass US$2 billion this year after earning more than US$1.4 billion over the period January-August, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).