February 7, 2012

Mekong Delta's pangasius fish price up

On February 5, Mekong Delta provinces' price of pangasius fish rose suddenly to VND26,000-27,000 (US$1.24-1.29) per kilogramme, bringing profits of between VND3,000-4,000 (US$0.14-0.19) per kilogramme for local breeders.

Last week, pangasius fish is offered at under VND25,500 (US$1.22) per kilogramme, the Saigon Giai Phong newspaper reported Monday (Feb 6).

According to seafood processors, importers around the world have increased orders for pangasius fillet recently, and with supply not being able to meet demand there is now a surge in pangasius prices.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said that although local firms faced many difficulties last year, pangasius exports still reached US$1.8 billion, up by 26.5% compared to 2010.

This year, the association is targeting US$2 billion from shipments of this kind of seafood.