The Vietnam Customs has reported that pangasius (tra fish) export to
Germany reached 5.9 million USD in January 2013, up 35.7 percent from
January 2012.

In Germany, it is estimated that 70- 75 percent
of imported pangasius is sold in the retail segment and 25-30 percent
is sold through the food service, according to the Vietnam Association
of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Over the years,
Vietnamese export of pangasius to Germany experienced constant
growth, but it started to decrease since the middle of 2010 when local
consumers have a negative perception on the production of pangasius by
untrue information through local media. Some retail chains stopped
importing and trading pangasius products.

Some German
importers said the good perception of consumers towards pangasius is
very important for Vietnam exporters to regain market shares in
Germany.

Now, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
certification label is a good proof for the quality of Vietnam’s
pangasius production in the market in Germany and other countries.

In February 2013, ASC Germany held an event to launch
ASC-labeled pangasius products in Hamburg. Pham Anh Tuan – Deputy
Head of Vietnam Directorate of Fisheries, and Truong Dinh Hoe – VASEP
General Secretary attended the event.

As by February 2013,
Vietnam had 14 companies granted ASC certification for their
responsibly farmed pangasius, of which eight companies were certified in
late 2012.

ASC fish accounted for 10 percent of national
farming. The production of ASC certified pangasius is expected to reach
50 percent of Vietnam’s total supply by 2015.-VNA