Pangasius prices soar to three-year high
The price of commercial pangasius has risen to 31,500-33,500 VND per kilogram, the highest level in three years. While farmers are excited about the price surge, overall production remains limited.
Nguyen Trang Su, a pangasius farmer in Hong Ngu district, Dong Thap province, shared that farmers are feeling optimistic as prices have increased significantly. Specifically, pangasius weighing under one kilogram is priced at 31,500 VND per kilogram, while larger-sized fish, primarily exported to China, are fetching 33,500 VND per kilogram, marking a rise of nearly 10,000 VND compared to the same period last year. At this price level, farmers are earning a profit of around 7,000 VND per kilogram.
According to Su, the price hike is driven by a supply shortage. Many farmers have reduced stocking densities to cope with unpredictable weather conditions, as significant temperature fluctuations between day and night have slowed fish growth. Additionally, prolonged low prices last year led to financial losses, leaving many farmers without sufficient capital to reinvest in production.
Duong Nghia Quoc, Chairman of the Vietnam Pangasius Association, noted that the price surge is primarily due to a sharp decline in supply, while the export market has yet to show strong recovery.
“We expect pangasius prices to remain stable throughout 2025. This is an encouraging price level, the highest in three years,” Quoc said. Looking ahead, he emphasized the need to improve fingerling quality to minimize losses and reduce disease outbreaks, which would help lower production costs. According to him, this remains a critical yet underinvested aspect of the industry.
In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius sector aims to maintain a production volume of approximately 1.65 million tons, a decrease of 20,000 tons compared to 2024. In January alone, pangasius exports were estimated at USD 209 million, up 27% year-on-year. For the full year 2024, pangasius exports reached USD 2 billion, reflecting a 9% increase, and accounted for 20% of Vietnam’s total seafood export revenue.
VFM
