Pangasius exports take a beating as demand for other fishes soars

Pangasius exports have been dwindling due to high booming demand for fishes like cod and pollock. — VNA/VNS Photo Vũ Sinh

HCM CITY — Demand for pangasius has slumped in export markets compared to that of cod or pollock, and the situation is likely to persist, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers has said.

VASEP said China, the US, and the EU, Việt Nam’s main pangasius export markets, have seen a sharp decrease in demand.

“Cod is dubbed ‘the king of fish’, and pollock prices are steadier than that of others.

An expert from VASEP said: “People in these countries have been favouring the two fishes since they are flavourful and nutritionally dense.

“Since 2021 the US and China have significantly increased cod and pollock imports, making it harder for pangasius to thrive in these markets.”

Phan Thế Quang, owner of a seafood processing and export company in Cần Thơ Province, said several countries have reduced pollock fishing for over 10 years to conserve the population, and they have been eating pangasius as an alternative.

“As the pollock population has now grown, these countries have returned to eating it more.”

Besides, Việt Nam’s pangasius exports also have to compete with products from India, Bangladesh and Indonesia, he added.

VASEP said businesses and processing facilities should improve product quality, ensure food hygiene, apply international standards, build sustainable brands, search for more export markets, and develop more augmented products.

Quang said Việt Nam’s pangasius is cheap and plentiful, and could be used to make a variety of products.

But inconsistent quality, trade barriers and unhealthy competition have hindered its exports, he said.

“Thus, it is important to increase product quality and connect with large export markets to help pangasius exports rebound.” — VNS