MEKSEA.COM – When global seafood buyers look for a reliable, affordable, fand nutritious whitefish, one name comes up again and again: pangasius. Farmed almost exclusively in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam, this mild-flavoured freshwater catfish has become one of the most widely traded seafood products on earth — exported to over 130 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia. Vietnam’s pangasius industry is not just a commercial success story; it is a testament to decades of aquaculture innovation, supply-chain development, and the tireless work of processors and distributors who have earned the trust of international buyers. In 2025, the sector delivered its strongest results yet, surpassing USD 2.2 billion in export revenue.

What is Pangasius?

Pangasius is a genus of medium-to-large freshwater shark catfish belonging to the family Pangasiidae. Native to the major river systems of Southeast Asia — particularly the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Irrawaddy basins – pangasius has been harvested for food for centuries by communities living along these rivers, especially in southern Vietnam around Cần Thơ and An Giang provinces.

Globally, the genus encompasses approximately 30 species. They are characterised by a scaleless, streamlined body, two pairs of barbels around the mouth, a long anal fin, and a generally silvery-grey colouration. In Vietnam, the fish is popularly known as cá tra or cá basa, depending on the species.

How Many Species Are There in Vietnam?

According to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), following are fish belong to Pangasiidae family (Tra family) with Vietnamese name:

• Helicophagus waandersii– Ca Tra chuot
• Pangasius gigas– Ca Tra dau
• Pangasius kunyit– Ca Tra ban
• Pangasius hypophthalmus– Ca Tra nuoi
• Pangasius micronema– Ca Tra
• Pangasius larnaudii– Ca Vo dem
• Pangasius sanitwongsei– Ca Vo co
• Pangasius bocourti– Ca Basa
• Pangasius macronema– Ca Xac soc
• Pangasius pleurotaenia– Ca Xac bau
• Pangasius conchophilus– Ca Hu
• Pangasius polyuranodon– Ca Dua
• Pangasius krempfi– Ca Bong lau

12 species among 13 as mentioned above belong to Pangasius family and one to Helicophasus family. However, two species of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus; Pangasius hypophthalmus (Tra) and Pangasius bocourti (Basa) have been culturing and developing in Vietnam.

Which Pangasius Species is the Most Popular in Vietnam?

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus is by the most popular pangasius species in Vietnam

Among all pangasius species, Tra Fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is by far the most popular and commercially dominant species in Vietnam. It accounts for the majority of Vietnam’s pangasius farming area and export volume.

Today, when international buyers refer to “Vietnam pangasius”, they are mostly referring to frozen tra fish fillets produced in the Mekong Delta. This is the most widely farmed and exported pangasius species in Vietnam today. It is commonly used for:

• Frozen pangasius fillets
• Portion cuts
• Breaded products
• Value-added seafood products

Nutritional Benefits of Pangasius That Make It Popular Worldwide

One reason for pangasius’s global popularity is its strong nutritional credentials at an accessible price point. A 100g serving of pangasius fillet delivers approximately 15–18g of high-quality protein, is low in calories and saturated fat, and contains meaningful levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B2, Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus — making it a practical protein choice for health-conscious consumers worldwide.

Vietnam Pangasius Export Performance in 2025

According to VASEP and Vietnam Customs data: Pangasius exports exceeded USD 1.2 billion during the first seven months of 2025, up 11% year-on-year. Export turnover during the first eight months reached approximately USD 1.4 billion, increasing around 10% compared to 2024. Full-year export value is projected to approach USD 2.2 billion.

Frozen fillets and portions remained the cornerstone of pangasius exports, accounting for nearly USD 1.8 billion — up 9% versus 2024 — and continuing to represent the largest product category by far. Value-added and deeply processed pangasius (HS16) reached nearly USD 51 million, up 8%, reflecting a strategic industry push toward higher-margin products.

MEKSEA – THE LEADING SEAFOOD DISTRIBUTOR IN VIETNAM 

Pangsius is thekey export product from Vietnam. Meksea proudly supplies premium pangasius from Vietnam to global markets. Carefully selected from trusted sources and processed under strict quality standards, our dried anchovy offers natural flavor, consistent quality, and reliable supply. With flexible packaging solutions and professional export services, Meksea is ready to bring authentic Vietnamese dried anchovy to your market.

MEKSEA’S PANGASIUS PRODUCTS

Pangasius Steak

Breaded pangasius fillet

Frozen Pangasius fillet

Pangasius fillet

Contributing to the global expansion of Vietnamese seafood exports, Meksea is honored to be a leading seafood distributor in Vietnam. We are committed to overcoming supply chain challenges while ensuring consistent quality at every stage,  from sourcing and processing to final delivery. Meksea provides tailored purchasing solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each partner.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam  seafood!

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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