The pangasius farmgate price in the Mekong Delta has climbed to a record level over the past 3 weeks. In some areas, raw fish is being purchased at VND 37,000–38,000 per kg.
This is above the early-year peak of VND 35,000 VNĐ per kg.
Why Pangasius Raw Material Supply Is Tight?
The main driver is a shortage of fish that have reached harvest size. Disease pressure has increased during the flood season, and heavy rain has made pond management more difficult.
As a result, few ponds hold fish ready for sale. Processors are competing to secure the remaining volume, which keeps farmgate prices rising.
Currently pangasius factories don’t have enough materials for production, they only produce 3-4 days per week.
Small Sizes Are Being Held Back
Higher prices change farmer behaviour. When prices rise, farmers prefer to keep smaller fish and grow them to a larger size before selling.
This means small fish will be especially scarce in the coming period. Importers whose products depend on smaller fillet grades should expect limited availability and plan their size mix early.
Our Pangasius Fillet Specifications
We process Pangasius hypophthalmus in HACCP and BRC certified facilities. Current specifications are:
- Species: Pangasius hypophthalmus
- Fillet sizes available: 200–300 g and 300 g-up
- Packing: bulk 10 kg, or retail bags of 1 kg and 2 kg
- Certifications: HACCP, BRC
At present, 200–300 g and 300 g-up are the sizes we can offer. Buyers who need other size grades should discuss this with us early, as raw material for smaller fish is limited.
What Importers Can Do
Raw material cost sits at the start of the supply chain, so it affects every step after it. We suggest buyers consider these actions:
- Review size requirements and check whether 300 g-up fits your market
- Confirm volumes early rather than ordering close to shipment
- Ask suppliers how raw material is secured and how fish is checked at intake.
We are following harvest availability closely and keeping partners informed of changes that may affect order planning.
If you are planning pangasius purchases from Vietnam, happy to share specifications and discuss your sourcing needs.
