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
(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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