In 2021, the demand for frozen pangasius fillets imported into the US market also had a strong breakthrough, nearly doubling in volume, from 58 thousand tons to nearly 107 thousand tons. The value also nearly doubled from $158 million to $314 million.
By the end of October 2022, pangasius imports to the US have exceeded the level of 2021. In the context of high inflation, demand for high-priced seafood decreased while the trend of increasing pangasius imports is “taking over”. Shrimp imports into the US in the first 10 months of the year decreased by 2% in volume, other crustaceans such as crabs decreased by 17%. In general, the US market tends to consume more fish than shrimp, crab, and molluscs.
After tuna and salmon, white fishes are the third most popular in the US. In which, tilapia was imported the most, followed by cod and then pangasius.
In the frozen fish fillets segment (except tuna and salmon), frozen pangasius fillets imported to the US have the strongest growth in both volume and value. Imports of frozen tilapia fillets increased only 3% in volume, 27% in value, frozen cod imports increased by 10% and 40% respectively over the same period in 2021.
The average price of frozen pangasius fillets imported into the US in the first 10 months of 2022 reached US$4.27/kg, up 51% over the same period in 2021. Of all US imported seafood products, frozen pangasius fillets had the strongest increase in average price this year. Shrimp prices increased only 7%, frozen tilapia 23%, frozen cod 28%, salmon 18%, tuna 13%.
Although account an overwhelming portion in the US market, Vietnam's pangasius exports to the US market focus mainly on the top 5 enterprises (accounting for a total of 98% of sales) including Vinh Hoan Corp, Bien Dong Seafood, VDTG FOOD, NTSF Seafoods and CASEAMEX.
Anti-dumping tax on pangasius is still the main obstacle for enterprises wanting to enter the US market. From 2003 to now, Vietnamese pangasius exporters have undergone 18 annual administrative reviews with many complicated developments and 3 sunset reviews in 2009, 2014 and 2019.
In the 18th administrative review of anti-dumping tax (CBPG) for the period from August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021 for Vietnamese pangasius by the US Department of Commerce (DOC), the tax rate Anti-dumping is applied basically the same as in the previous review.
Accordingly, there are two enterprises receiving tax rates of USD 0.00/kg and USD 3.87/kg respectively, one enterprise receiving a separate tax rate of USD 1.94/kg and 32 companies receiving the national tax rate of 2.39 USD/kg.
By the end of November 2022, Vietnam's pangasius exports to the US market reached 521 million USD, an increase of 61% over the same period in 2021. However, in November, pangasius exports to this market decreased by 10% to nearly 30 million USD.
In 2023, inflation may cause the US seafood demand to continue to decline, but compared to other aquatic products and fishes, pangasius still has better room thanks to abundant supply, affordable price, while the quality is continuously improved.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(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.
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