Alan Pham | Vietnam Seafood Sourcing Insights A sourcing consultant's notes on Vietnam's seafood market
Quick Answer: Pangasius fillet from Vietnam is priced at $1.40–$2.80/kg FOB HCMC depending on trim level (Un-Trimmed vs Well Trimmed), and $2.77–$2.90/kg CIF Japan for retail-grade shipments. Verified export data from commercial transactions 2024–2026.
What Is Pangasius Fillet?
Pangasius (Pangasius hypophthalmus), also known as swai or basa, is a freshwater catfish farmed in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. It produces a mild-flavored, boneless white fillet that has become a global commodity in retail, foodservice, and food processing. Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter, shipping over 1.5 million metric tons annually to more than 150 countries.
Key attributes: white mild flesh, year-round supply, cost-competitive against cod and pollock, and widely certified (ASC, BAP, GlobalGAP available from leading factories).
Pangasius Fillet Price Vietnam 2026
Prices vary by trim level, certification, and destination market. The following ranges are based on verified commercial export transactions between 2024 and 2026.
| Product Type | FOB HCMC (USD/kg) | CIF Japan/EU (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Well Trimmed Fillet (WT) | $2.30–$2.80 | $2.70–$3.40 |
| Semi Trimmed Fillet | $1.80–$2.20 | $2.20–$2.80 |
| Un-Trimmed Fillet | $1.40–$1.80 | $1.80–$2.30 |
| Loin / Medallion | $3.00–$4.00 | $3.50–$4.80 |
| Breaded & Pre-fried Fillet | $3.50–$5.00 | $4.00–$6.00 |
Factors that affect price: trim level (belly off, fat off, red meat off), moisture content spec (87% vs 88%+), ASC certification (commands +15–25% premium in EU retail), packaging (IQF 1kg PE bag vs bulk), and volume commitment.
Pangasius Fillet Specifications — What to Request
Well Trimmed Fillet (most common for EU, Japan, USA)
| Parameter | Standard Spec |
|---|---|
| Species | Pangasius hypophthalmus |
| Trim | Skinless · Boneless · Red Meat Off · Belly Off · Fat Off |
| Moisture | 87–88% ±1% |
| Additives | STPP treated |
| Size range | 60/90g → 220/300g (6 size options) |
| Freezing | IQF |
| Packaging | 10 × 1kg PE bag / carton, 100% Net Weight |
| HS Code | 0304.62 |
Certifications to Require by Market
| Market | Must-have | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| EU | EU DL code + BRC or IFS | ASC, GlobalGAP |
| USA | FDA registration + BAP | HACCP, ISO 22000 |
| Japan | HACCP | ASC, ISO 22000 |
| Middle East | HALAL + HACCP | — |
| China | HACCP + GACC registration | ISO 22000 |
How to Source Pangasius Fillet from Vietnam: Step-by-Step
- Define your specification clearly — trim level, size range, moisture spec, certifications, packaging, and target FOB or CIF price, before contacting any supplier.
- Verify factory credentials — request the EU DL code and cross-check at the EU RASFF database. A legitimate EU-approved factory will appear in the public register.
- Request production samples — run lab tests on moisture content, net weight accuracy, microbiological safety, and sensory evaluation before any commercial commitment.
- Negotiate based on real market data — FOB prices are trackable via customs databases. Knowing the actual export range prevents overpaying.
- Use a disclosed intermediary or source direct — a Vietnam-based sourcing consultant gives access to vetted, EU-approved factories without cold-sourcing risks.
Common Sourcing Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing trim levels: A “trimmed fillet” in one supplier’s catalog can mean something very different in another. Always define: Is belly included? Is red meat allowed? Is fat trimmed?
Ignoring moisture spec: An 88% moisture fillet vs an 86% moisture fillet at the same price is not the same product. Higher moisture = lower protein yield per kg.
Not checking GACC registration for China: Since 2023, Vietnamese seafood exporters must be registered with China’s GACC system. If your supplier is not registered, your shipment can be detained at the Chinese port.
About the Author
During my 10 years as Operations Manager at the Vietnamese subsidiary of A. Espersen A/S — Europe’s largest whitefish processing company — I managed procurement, supplier audits, and export compliance across EU, Japan, and Asian markets. I now work as a disclosed buyer-side sourcing consultant, connecting international importers with verified, certified Vietnamese seafood factories. Commission is transparent and paid by the factory — it does not inflate your cost.
Enquiries: alan@viet.zone | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vietpham8
Well Trimmed pangasius fillet (the retail-grade standard) is priced at approximately $2.30–$2.80/kg FOB HCMC. CIF Japan prices from verified transactions in 2025–2026 ranged from $2.77 to $2.90/kg. Un-Trimmed fillet for wholesale is lower at $1.40–$1.80/kg FOB.
Frozen pangasius fillet (Pangasius hypophthalmus) is classified under HS code 0304.62 for trade purposes.
FOB (Free On Board) HCMC is the factory export price before freight and insurance. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) adds the cost of ocean freight and insurance to the destination port — typically $0.30–$0.60/kg more than FOB for Asian destinations, and $0.50–$0.80/kg more for European ports.
Most Vietnamese pangasius factories require a minimum of one full 40ft container per order, which is approximately 20–22 metric tons of frozen fillet. Some factories accept smaller trial shipments for new buyers, but FOB pricing applies to FCL commitment.
Yes. Swai is the US market trade name, basa is common in Europe, and pangasius is the scientific genus name. All refer to Pangasius hypophthalmus farmed in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
Standard lead time from signed purchase contract to container loading is 21–35 days, depending on factory production schedule, packaging requirements, and whether the specification requires custom sizing or special certification documentation.
Independent Seafood Sourcing Consultant based in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Former Operations Manager at Espersen Vietnam (Danish seafood group, 8+ years) and graduate of Nha Trang Fisheries University. I source specialty aquatic products for buyers in Japan, France, Hong Kong, China and Thailand — as a disclosed agent with full commission transparency.
