The total area for pangasius farming in 2024 is estimated at 5,370 hectares, with a total harvested pangasius production of approximately 1.67 million tons, equivalent to 99% compared to the same period in 2023. Pangasius export turnover up to October 2024 reached 1.56 billion USD, an increase of 8.9% compared to the same period in 2023.
Pangasius catfish is a key product of the Mekong Delta.
Pangasius catfish is considered a key product of Vietnam in general and the Mekong Delta region in particular. In recent years, people in the Mekong Delta have developed pangasius farming to a new level, with the establishment of large farms. Many professional farming areas have applied science and technology.
According to Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Thap province, in 2024, the pangasius farming situation in Dong Thap was relatively stable, with the production value of the pangasius industry continuing to increase, estimated at over 8,800 billion VND, a 2.86% increase compared to 2023, accounting for over 17% of the total production value of the province's agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector. The area for commercial pangasius farming reached 2,630 hectares, with an estimated production of 540,000 tons (an increase of 15,000 tons compared to 2023).
The consumption of pangasius in Dong Thap is relatively stable. The selling price of commercial pangasius (0.7-0.8 kg/fish) fluctuates from 26,400-27,600 VND/kg, while production costs have decreased (due to lower feed prices), resulting in profits for farmers. Currently, there are 902 pangasius breeding and rearing facilities in Dong Thap province, including 52 breeding facilities and 850 rearing facilities. It is estimated that in 2024, 17 billion pangasius fry and 1.3 billion pangasius fingerlings will be produced.
Ms. To Thi Tuong Lan, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), predicted that pangasius export turnover in 2024 could reach the target of 2 billion USD. The limited supply of raw materials may extend into the first quarter of 2025, and the peak season at the end of the year will be an opportunity for businesses to improve export prices.
Pangasius catfish are primarily farmed in several provinces of the Mekong Delta such as Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho, Ben Tre , and Vinh Long. As of the end of October, the estimated production of catfish fry reached 25.95 billion, and the estimated production of fingerlings reached 3.9 billion. The estimated total for 2024 is 30 billion harvested catfish fry and 40 billion fingerlings, significantly contributing to the development of the farming region. Nationwide, there are 1,920 facilities producing and rearing catfish fingerlings; including 2 facilities producing and rearing broodstock, 76 facilities producing fingerlings, and 1,842 facilities raising catfish fry into fingerlings.
Ms. To Thi Tuong Lan stated that the opportunities for the pangasius industry to develop stem from positive anti-dumping tax results, reduced inventory in key markets, and the absence of surplus raw fish as seen in 2023. In addition, positive signals from the recovery of the US economy, opportunities to increase market share in smaller markets alongside traditional markets, and significant potential for pangasius products globally are also contributing factors.
Pangasius exports generated $2 billion.
According to Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, Director of the Fisheries Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), in 2024, despite facing many difficulties and challenges, with the continuous efforts of businesses, the support of management agencies and associations, the Vietnamese pangasius industry achieved encouraging results in both quality and value.
Pangasius catfish production in 2024 is estimated at 1.67 million tons, equivalent to 99% of the same period in 2023. As of October 15, 2024, pangasius catfish export turnover reached US$1.56 billion, an increase of 8.9% compared to the same period in 2023. However, according to the Fisheries Department, this growth rate is not uniform, primarily due to fierce competition from other countries and other whitefish product lines.
According to the plan set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the goal is to increase value by 2025, striving to achieve a production volume of 1.65 million tons, but aiming for export revenue of approximately 2 billion USD. In the context of many changes in production, economy, and environment, this goal requires significant efforts from the entire sector and many relevant agencies.
Besides the difficulties and challenges facing the industry, experts also introduced and provided delegates with information on trends and potential of the Halal market and the requirements for products to achieve Halal certification.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien requested that ministries, sectors, and localities develop pangasius farming in an industrial direction, with large-scale production and ensuring biosafety; strictly control the management and use of antibiotics in aquaculture; strictly manage pangasius breeding facilities to ensure the quality of the breeding stock; pangasius production and processing must aim for green production and reduced emissions; and improve the effectiveness of scientific research in pangasius farming and production.
Along with the formation of a closed chain in production – processing – consumption, it is necessary to strengthen the application of science and technology and utilize by-products to increase product value. Besides traditional markets, it is necessary to seek and develop new potential markets; including the Muslim market that meets Halal certification requirements.
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