Frozen Basa Pangasius Skin from Vietnam: Export Specifications
Pangasius skin is a byproduct of the fillet production process that has significant commercial value in its own right. As gelatin and collagen applications expand globally, and as Asian cuisines maintain strong demand for fish skin as a food ingredient, Vietnamese pangasius skin has become a meaningful export category.
Product Forms and Applications
Food-grade frozen pangasius skin (cleaned, IQF, skin-on or skin pieces):
- Used in Vietnamese cuisine (da cá chiên — fried fish skin), Chinese hotpot, and Korean anju
- Retail packs for Vietnamese diaspora markets in the US, Australia, and Europe
- FOB price: $0.80–$1.40/kg depending on size, cleaning standard, and order volume
Gelatin/collagen-grade skin (bulk frozen, lower cleaning specification):
- Input for gelatin extraction facilities in China, South Korea, and Europe
- Buyers are typically B2B gelatin manufacturers, not food retailers
- FOB price: $0.40–0.80/kg (commodity, large volumes, 20ft FCL minimum)
Key Export Specifications (Food Grade)
- Thickness: Skin with some flesh attached (3–5mm) vs. thin-scraped skin — specify clearly
- Cleaning: Scales removed, no blood clots, no bone fragments
- Freezing: IQF preferred for food grade; block acceptable for gelatin grade
- Packaging: 1kg vacuum retail bags or 5–10kg bulk bags depending on end use
- Storage: -18°C or below
Supply Availability
Pangasius skin production is directly linked to fillet processing volumes. Vietnam processes approximately 600,000–700,000 MT of whole pangasius annually, generating roughly 60,000–80,000 MT of skin as byproduct. However, not all of this is food-grade — quality depends heavily on slaughter conditions and handling speed at the factory.
Sourcing Through Me
I source pangasius skin alongside fillet from integrated processing facilities, which gives buyers the ability to consolidate shipments. Minimum order quantity for skin is typically one 20ft FCL (approximately 22–25 MT). I can arrange pre-shipment inspection and provide factory audit documentation on request.
Sourcing pangasius skin from Vietnam?
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