Vietnam's pangasius catfish dominates global market with $2‑4 billion in annual exports

Vietnam now supplies about 52 % of worldwide pangasius (catfish) production and accounts for roughly 90 % of the species’ global trade. Annual export earnings from the fish range between US$1.8 billion and US$2.4 billion, peaking at US$2.4 billion in 2022 and staying above US$2.2 billion in 2025. The Mekong Delta – especially the provinces of Đồng Tháp, An Giang, Vĩnh Long and Tiền Giang – is the core production zone, where modern breeding, automation and international quality systems such as ISO, HACCP, ASC and GlobalG are increasingly adopted.

Vietnamese pangasius is popular in restaurants across the United States and Europe, praised for its white flesh, low bone content, mild taste and high levels of DHA, EPA, omega‑3, omega‑6, omega‑9 and vitamin E. Processed forms include frozen fillets, seasoned cuts, whole fresh fish and value‑added products. Industry officials note ongoing challenges, including water‑pollution, feed supply, climate‑change impacts and rising demands for sustainable practices, but expect continued growth as global seafood consumption expands.