Indonesian Pangasius First Export

Pangasius production in Indonesia increased by 22.2% from 319,966 tons in 2017 to 391,151 tons in 2018. The main production centers are East Java (Tulungagung Regency), North Sumatra (Serdang Bedagai Regency), Riau (Kampar Regency) , Jambi (Batanghari Regency, Muaro Jambi Regency), South Sumatra (Ogan Komering Ulu Timur District, Banyuasin District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency), Lampung (South Lampung Regency, Central Lampung Regency, Pringsewu Regency) , and South Kalimantan (Banjar Regency).

In 2017, the total global catfish imports reached 640.87 thousand tons with the main markets are  United States (17%), Mexico (9%), China (8%), Brazil (7%), and Saudi Arabia (5%). In 2018 total global catfish imports increased to 641.31 tons. The main markets are United States (19.08%) and China (18.97% ), while Saudi Arabia market decreased significantly to be only 0.7% (4,503 tons) or decreased by 85% compared to 2017 (UN Comtrade, 2019). The decline in pangasius imports in Saudi Arabia is due to the growing issue of disease and pollution in the Mekong River, so Saudi Arabia prohibits the import of fish (including catfish) from Vietnam (SeafoodSource, 2018).

In connection with the production potential and export opportunities for catfish, Indonesian Catfish Industry  Association (APCI) in collaboration with the Indonesia Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and SMART-Fish Indonesia has launched the “Indonesian Pangasius: the Better Choice” branding at the SEAFEX 2018 exhibition in Dubai-UAE, and further promoted “Indonesian Pangasius” at The Indonesian Expo 2018 and 2019 Hajj and Umrah Exhibition in Jeddah.

Seizing Export Opportunity
To seize these market opportunities, especially the export of pangasius to Saudi Arabia for of Hajj and Umrah consumption needs, the MMAF together with APCI, in coordination with the Ministry of Religion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade carries out the “Launching of Indonesia’s First Pangasius Export to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” in May 2019 at the Puspa Agro-Sidoarjo Quarantine Installation which will then be shipped through Port of Tanjung Perak, Surabaya.

The need for pangasius supply for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims is estimated to reach 540 tons. In the first shipment, 3 containers (± 63 tons) will be shipped and the rest will be shipped in stages. Currently, APCI has prepared a supply of around 300 tons consisting of 150 tons portion cut and 150 tons fillet.