As of mid-February 2023, Vietnam pangasius exports to the UK market reached nearly 7 million USD, accounting for 4.5% of export value to markets. Particularly in the first half of February, pangasius exports to the UK increased dramatically by 142% over the same period.
In 2022, the UK is also in the top 6 importing pangasius markets of Vietnam, but only accounts for 2.6% with nearly 64 million USD, up 24% compared to 2021.
The UK has one of the highest inflation rates among major economies. By January 2023, the inflation rate in this country was still 10.1%, 5 times higher than the target set by the Bank of England.
Inflation changes UK seafood consumption trends.
Inflation changes UK seafood consumption trends. Instead of consuming more fresh/chilled seafood, today Britons are increasing their consumption of frozen seafood. In the UK, people between the ages of 50 and 75 consume the most fish, spending up to £4 a week on fish products. Meanwhile, people under 30 spend an average of just £1.9 a week on fish.
Particularly white fish is a popular product in the UK, in which the most used for the popular dish is fish & chip. Each year, imports of white fish into this market reach from $800 million to $1 billion. In 2022, imports of white fish into the UK market decreased by nearly 8%, of which the largest decrease was pollock with a decrease of 43%, cod with a decrease of 13%. Economic downturn and the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine have affected the consumption and imports.
Over the past year, Vietnam's pangasius accounted for 5% of the UK's total imports of white fish. This proportion is likely to be higher in 2023, when the UK economy is still heavily affected by inflation, the war between Russia and Ukraine still limits the supply of cod and pollock to this market. Fish & chip dishes may have to use more pangasius and other white fish as alternatives.
The advantage from preferential tariffs under the UKVFTA is also an opportunity for businesses to take advantage of, especially in the context that importers want to find sources of competitive priced goods for the domestic market.
Therefore, along with China, the UK is also an optimistic destination for pangasius enterprises in 2023.
|
UK imports of white fish, 2018-2022 (Thousand USD) |
|||||||
|
Product |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Change(%) |
Proportion(%) |
|
Cod |
520,941 |
549,580 |
665,281 |
615,899 |
535,731 |
-13.0% |
57% |
|
Haddock |
166,985 |
211,744 |
228,877 |
204,648 |
261,883 |
28.0% |
28% |
|
Pollock |
73,090 |
90,046 |
111,500 |
115,865 |
66,094 |
-43.0% |
7% |
|
Pangasius, catfish |
54,555 |
49,716 |
61,772 |
54,052 |
50,330 |
-6.9% |
5% |
|
Tilapia |
8,685 |
7,256 |
9,558 |
11,854 |
11,278 |
-4.9% |
1% |
|
Hake |
10,392 |
10,574 |
10,371 |
8,397 |
6,958 |
-17.1% |
1% |
|
Total |
834,822 |
918,918 |
1,087,365 |
1,010,716 |
932,275 |
-7.8% |
100%
|
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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