Vietnam

Vietnam is by far the world’s largest pangasius producer and exporter. Its annual output is on the order of 1.6–1.7 million tonnes, thanks to extensive pond culture in the Mekong Delta. Vietnam’s pangasius industry focuses mainly on export markets; in 2024 its exports are projected to exceed $2.0 billion. Key export products are frozen basa fillets (mostly skinless), with some glazes and blocks. Vietnam’s fillets are exported worldwide – top destinations are China/HK, the U.S., the EU and emerging markets in Latin America.

Vietnam’s market strategy emphasizes scale and cost. They maintain year-round production by staggering harvests. Certification efforts have ramped up: many Vietnamese farms and processors now carry GlobalGAP, BAP or even ASC certification to satisfy Western buyers. However, Vietnamese pangasius has faced challenges – past trade barriers and anti-dumping duties (e.g. in the U.S.) and negative publicity.

India

India is the world’s third-largest pangasius producers and one of the top exporters. Fish farms in India (mainly in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, etc.) produce “basa fish” (Pangasius bocourti) and other catfish. Indian producers have grown quickly by using relatively low-cost feed and labor. India exports basa to many markets, led by neighboring countries and niche markets in Europe and the Middle East. For example, recent trade data show India shipping basa to countries like Nepal, Bhutan and the UAE (often ice-packed fillets).

India’s strategy is to offer large volumes of frozen basa at competitive prices. Many Indian exporters emphasize frozen fillets (often skinless) and blocks with moderate ice glaze. They also began adding processing: some fillets are offered pre-glazed and individually packed. In global trade, India often competes with Vietnam on price. However, Indian exporters have been improving standards: a growing number of facilities are GlobalGAP or BAP certified, and exporters aim to meet EU/US MRL regulations. Overall, India has built strong B2B links in Asia and Africa, and is expanding into Europe by emphasizing traceability and halal certification for Middle Eastern markets.

Indonesia

Indonesia ranks fourth globally in pangasius production. Its domestic “patin” farms (pangas catfish) produced about 431,000 tonnes in 2023. However, most Indonesian production is sold locally. Indonesia has a large domestic market (fresh and frozen patin are popular in local cuisine and HORECA). Exports of Indonesian pangasius are smaller than Vietnam’s, but rising. Top export markets include neighboring Asian countries, the Middle East and to a lesser extent China.

Export focus: Indonesia generally exports frozen patin fillets and whole frozen fish (often under the general “pangasius” category). Indonesian exporters promote their product as high-yield and low-cost. The government has instituted quality standards for patin fillets (glaze ≤20%) to improve export image. Some Indonesian farms have started ASC and BAP certification as well. In trade, Indonesia often leverages geographic proximity to supply fast-growing Asian markets (e.g. Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia) that want cheap whitefish.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is an emerging pangasius powerhouse. In FY2022–23 its production reached around 400,000 tonnes, making it the second-largest pangasius producer globally. Pangasius (locally “pangas”) is now the most significant pond-farmed species in Bangladesh. Unlike Vietnam, Bangladeshi producers currently focus on domestic consumption – pangasius fillets are sold in retail markets and used in local food processing.

Export efforts are in early stages. Bangladesh has begun exporting small volumes of basa fillets (often labeled “pangas”) to neighboring markets. However, Bangladeshi exporters lag behind India in fillet processing and volume. Challenges include meeting strict EU standards: previous shipments were rejected for antibiotic residues. To improve export competitiveness, Bangladesh is investing in better processing (white fleshing, freezing) and seeking certifications. Experts believe Bangladesh has huge potential: if it upgrades quality and logistics, it could become a major basa exporter, especially to Europe. Bangladeshi pangasius is very low-cost, so with better quality control it could challenge other exporters.

Other Exporters

Other countries are smaller players but worth noting. Cambodia and Malaysia have limited pangasius industries; they mainly serve local markets and occasionally ship to neighbors. China has begun some pangasius farming to supplement imports, but still imports far more than it exports.

Across exporting countries, a common strategy is evident: focus on frozen fillets and blocks, emphasize cost competitiveness, and gradually improve certifications. Vietnam clearly leads in volume and reach, while India is catching up on price. Both rely on large-scale farming and low costs. Easyfish’s multi-country sourcing leverages all these origins: for example, Easyfish can supply basa from Vietnam and India through coordinated programs, ensuring clients have supply even during regional lulls.

If you’re ready to source high-quality frozen basa or want a custom quote, visit our basa product page to get started today. You can also check out our full guide on basa sourcing and market dynamics.

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