Vietnam’s tra (pangasius) fish exports hit a new record this year, with total exports estimated at 1.68 million tons and revenue at $2.4 billion.

“This is the highest mark in the history of the tra fish sector,” said Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries Tran Dinh Luan.

As of the end of November, Vietnam had yielded tra fish output of 1.526 million tons, a rise of 4 per cent year-on-year, and earned revenue of $2.19 billion, up 66.9 per cent.

The country’s tra fish are now available in 134 countries and territories, with key markets being China, the US, ASEAN, the EU, the UK, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. China and the US are the largest importers, consuming about 30 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively. Demand for tra fish in most markets has increased from 40 to 200 per cent.

According to the Directorate of Fisheries, Vietnam’s tra fish farming area is about 5,700 ha, accounting for only 0.44 per cent of the total aquaculture area but with output making up 30 per cent.