According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's value-added pangasius is increasingly gaining attention in international markets as it is increasingly favored by consumers in these countries, due to the variety of ways to prepare it into many rich dishes, mixed with many ingredients.

In May, exports of value-added pangasius products reached more than USD 2 million, a decrease of 3% compared to May 2023. As of the end of May, exports of these products reached more than USD 13 million, an increase of 22% over the same period in 2023.

Among them, Singapore is the market consuming the most value-added pangasius from Vietnam with a proportion of 23%.

Currently, there are more than 50 enterprises participating in exporting value-added pangasius to markets.

Among them, the most popular product is frozen pre-fried breaded pangasius/frozen breaded pangasius fillets with HS code 16041990, accounting for 82% of the total exports of value-added products to markets in the first 5 months of this year, with export value reaching nearly USD 11 million, an increase of 31% over the same period last year.

In addition, deep-fried pangasius skin crispy snacks are also popular with consumers in various markets. Exports of this product reached nearly USD 400 thousand in May and nearly USD 2 million in the first 5 months of this year.

Exports of a number of other value-added pangasius products such as breaded, frozen fried pangasius pieces with HS code 16042091, frozen basa fish balls with vegetables with HS code 16042030, etc. also recorded an increase in export value in the first 5 months of this year, nearly USD 300 thousand, an increase of 52% ​​and USD 113 thousand, an increase of 33% over the same period last year.

At the end of April, nearly 40 Vietnamese enterprises, including pangasius exporters, introduced a series of processed products to foreign partners through the Seafood Expo Global 2024 in Spain. Ready-to-eat products attract many visitors to enjoy right at the booths. The processed products are very diverse, mixed with many ingredients and highly appreciated by customers.

VASEP believes that market fluctuations in recent years show that choosing a business strategy for value-added processed goods is the strategic direction for Vietnam's seafood enterprises. The potential for exporting value-added pangasius will have many more opportunities in markets, requiring businesses to proactively adapt to promptly grasp needs and opportunities.

Kylie Nguyen