The pangasius industry is entering a challenging phase as raw material prices continue to climb. Over the past few weeks, many processors have reported a noticeable shortage of small-size fish, leading to tighter supply and increasing production costs.
The root of the problem lies at the very beginning of the chain — the seed. Fingerling production this year has been lower than expected, and high mortality rates have further reduced the available stock. Farmers are finding it difficult to maintain stable ponds, and the limited number of market-size fish has pushed competition among factories to new levels.
As a result, small-size pangasius has become one of the most sought-after commodities, yet also the hardest to find. Many factories are facing raw material shortages, and some have already slowed down operations.
Looking ahead, the situation may become even more critical. With major holiday seasons approaching and export demand on the rise, the gap between supply and demand is expected to widen.
In this context, VN Seafood recommends customers to consider larger fish sizes to ensure continuous stock and smooth production planning. Flexibility in size and specification could be the key to overcoming this challenging period.
