After reaching a peak of 310 million USD in April 2022, Vietnam pangasius exports began to cool down gradually in the following months. That trend is reflected in both China and the US markets.
Pangasius exports to China broke the record, reaching 113 million USD in April, but falling to 44 million USD in July. Accumulating in the first 7 months of the year, pangasius exports to China still more than doubled over the same period, reaching 451 million USD, accounting for 28% of Vietnam's total pangasius export value. However, Vietnam pangasius’s market share in this market is still modest compared to China's frozen fish import demand. Currently, Vietnam's frozen pangasius accounts for only 8-9% of China's fish imports.
Currently, China loosens the Covid inspection measure, which reduces suspending imports when detecting shipments infected with coronavirus. This will reduce the cost and time for exporting pangasius as well as other aquatic products to this market. However, China is increasingly strict in testing microbiological criteria, food hygiene and safety, so exporters should pay more attention to quality assurance and any regulations and standards of China.
Pangasius exports to the US also reached a peak of 81 million USD in April, but also fell to the lowest level in July, reaching only 32 million USD, down 4% compared to the same period in 2021. Pangasius exports to the US from 2021 to the first half of this year have a relatively high price, so the export value is positive. However, after that hot period, US importers began to adjust prices down, because inventories increased and consumption in the market slowed down due to logistical factors. In general, according to the assessment of pangasius enterprises, this product is still in demand in the US market as well as in other markets, even in the context of current inflation. However, in the second half of the year, export prices will decrease gradually.
By the end of the first 7 months of 2022, pangasius exports to the US were still 92% higher than the same period in 2021, accounting for 24% of total pangasius exports.
Although the US and China dominate the trend of pangasius exports in the direction of slowing down or decreasing, there are many markets that still maintain an optimistic growth for Vietnam's pangasius exports. Typically, the third largest single market, Mexico still maintained a high growth rate of 87% in July. The remaining two markets in the top 5 both increased by double digits in July: increased by 40% and 34% respectively.
In addition, in July, many markets have shown the “breakthrough” in importing Vietnam’s pangasius such as Canada (increased more than 4 times), Hong Kong increased by 114%, Australia by 143%, Singapore increased by more than 2 times and the Philippines by 3.5 times. This shows that Vietnam’s pangasius exports are not tighten to only China or the US markets but has many opportunities to increase exporting to other markets.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
(vasep.com.vn) Changing markets, shifting buyer demand, and increasingly complex trade barriers are raising a key question for Vietnam’s seafood industry: Where will the new growth opportunities lie in 2027–2029?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As of the end of August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached $21 million, representing a steep 48% year-over-year decline and accounting for 23% of the country's total tilapia export turnover. Frozen fillets accounted for 78% with the remainder consisting of whole frozen tilapia and frozen cuts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a volatile first half of the year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil registered robust growth in July and August 2026. In August alone, export turnover reached $19 million, surging 73% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively for the first eight months, total export value reached $124 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Besides modifying their boats, many fishermen in Dak Lak province are making efforts to venture out to sea to harvest seafood during the rough sea season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) At the Responsible Seafood Summit and TCRS Shrimp Summit 2026, organized by the GSA (Global Seafood Alliance) in Bangkok, Thailand, the conversation about the future of the shrimp industry began with one of its most important foundations: seedstock quality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Lithuania surpassed $14 million, up 8% year on year. While the increase remains modest, it is notable given the continued pressure on Vietnamese tuna exports to the EU as a whole. More importantly, export turnover to Lithuania has shown a clearer recovery in recent months, making the market a destination worth monitoring for Vietnamese businesses in Europe.
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