In Jan 2016, China was the 3rd largest importer of Vietnam pangasius with over US$17 million, up 33.2% year on year, accounting for 11.5% of the total pangasius exports by Vietnam (after the U.S. and the EU).
According to statistics of the International Trade Center (ITC) based on the figures of Chinese Customs, in the first 10 months of 2015, imports of whitefish products into China were relatively stable, in which, frozen Alaska Pollock imports hit the highest proportion of 40-65%; followed by frozen Cod with 25-43%, frozen Haddock with 6-7%, pangasius and catfish with 1.5 - 4%. Despite a remarkable increase in pangasius exports to China in 2015, China’s demand for Vietnam pangasius are still high.
In 2015, Russia was the largest supplier of whitefish to China and occupied 60-70% of total imports, in which Vietnam ranked the 4th (behind China, the U.S. and Norway). Last year, China continued to import frozen Cod, frozen Alaska Pollock, frozen Haddock, frozen Hake from Russia.
|
Whitefish imports into China (Jan-Oct 2015) (US$ thousand) |
||||||
|
HS |
Products |
QI 2015 |
QII 2015 |
QIII 2015 |
Oct 2015 |
Jan-Oct2015 |
|
030363 |
Frozen Cod |
109,744 |
145,595 |
113,408 |
34,088 |
402,835 |
|
030367 |
Frozen Alaska Pollock |
281,032 |
254,477 |
106,759 |
18,115 |
660,383 |
|
030364 |
Frozen Haddock |
29,560 |
27,251 |
17,353 |
3,907 |
78,071 |
|
030462 |
Frozen pangasius and catfish fillets |
4,976 |
6,407 |
11,385 |
3,009 |
25,777 |
|
030366 |
Frozen Hake |
1,655 |
3,415 |
10,573 |
1,383 |
17,026 |
|
030475 |
Frozen Alaska Pollock fillets |
643 |
1,840 |
3,334 |
- |
5,817 |
|
030494 |
Frozen Alaska Pollock loins |
2,027 |
2,277 |
2,198 |
983 |
7,485 |
|
030324 |
Frozen pangasius and catfish |
638 |
679 |
1,354 |
537 |
3,208 |
|
030471 |
Frozen Cod fillets |
297 |
372 |
350 |
16 |
1,035 |
|
030461 |
Frozen Tilapia fillets |
174 |
- |
79 |
- |
253 |
|
Source: ITC |
||||||
In the Chinese market, Vietnam pangasius made up a small proportion compared with some whitefish products from Russia. China’s demand for whitefish products, including pangasius is expected to continue the increase in 2016. Vietnam pangasius exporters still have many opportunities to export pangasius to the market. Despite exposing many risks, this is considered a promising market of Vietnam pangasius.
Besides, drop in exports to some major markets as the U.S., the EU and increase in exports to China in 2015 was a good diversion. However, keeping the quality of products for export should be the first priority to overcome difficulties and develop sustainably in Vietnamese companies.
In 2015, amid a drop in exports to some major markets as the U.S., the EU, Vietnam pangasius exporters shifted to China. Vietnam pangasius enterprises always give priority to ensure the quality of their products for export to overcome difficulties and develop sustainably.
Written Ta Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Seafood exports are holding double-digit growth, but the opportunities are not spread evenly across product groups and markets. As businesses draw up their plans for 2027, Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS2026) offers a chance to look ahead together: what to sell, where to sell it, and how to prepare for growth in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than two weeks to go, the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) will officially take place in Can Tho. Under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029 – Opportunities and Potential for Double-Digit Export Growth,” the Summit is organized by VASEP at a time when seafood businesses are facing rapid market shifts, changing buyer demand, trade policy changes and growing competitive pressure all at once.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 28, 2026, the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo opened in Qingdao, China. The expo takes place over three days from October 28 to 30, 2026. This is a prestigious specialized seafood exhibition organized annually by Sea Fare Exposition Inc.
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(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.
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