Declining U.S. inventories boost demand for pangasius

In terms of consumption markets, after five months of positive growth, pangasius exports to China declined by 16% in September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with an export value of $48 million. This marks the third month this year in which imports of Vietnamese pangasius have decreased in this market. By the end of September, pangasius exports to China totaled $418 million, down 4% year-on-year.

Pangasius exports to the U.S. continued to show positive results in the last month of the third quarter of 2024, reaching over $30 million, a 32% increase compared to September 2023. In the first nine months of this year, pangasius exports to the U.S. totaled $256 million, a 24% year-on-year increase. The U.S. remains the second-largest consumer of Vietnamese pangasius, after China. According to the International Trade Center (ITC), Vietnam continues to be the largest supplier of pangasius products to the U.S. during this period.

Lower finished pangasius inventories in the U.S. compared to 2023 and 2022 are encouraging retailers to replenish their stocks for the year-end holiday season. Additionally, declining inflation in the U.S. is boosting consumer demand.

In September 2024, Thailand emerged as the third-largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius. Exports to the "Land of Smiles" in the last month of the third quarter reached $5.8 million, down 21% compared to the same period last year. By the end of September 2024, pangasius exports to Thailand totaled $46 million, an increase of 6% compared to the same period in 2023.

Pangasius exports to the EU experienced a slight decrease of 1% in the first nine months of this year, with a value of $128 million. In September 2024 alone, exports to this market reached $14 million, down 2% compared to September 2023. The Netherlands remains the leading market in the EU for Vietnamese pangasius consumption, with exports to the Netherlands in the first nine months of this year totaling $36 million, an increase of 2% compared to the same period last year.

Regarding export products, frozen pangasius fillets continued to be the main product of Vietnamese pangasius exports. The export value of this product to various markets in the first nine months of this year increased by 5%, reaching $1.2 billion. By the end of September 2024, exports of processed pangasius continued to grow by 45%, reaching $32 million. Exports of dried pangasius and other frozen products (whole, cut pieces, etc.) reached $273 million, an increase of 23% compared to the same period last year.

Vietnamese pangasius exports ended the first nine months with positive results, as markets maintained growth. In the last three months of the year, commercial and service activities are expected to become more active in stocking goods in preparation for the holidays, which will be the peak season for pangasius exports in 2024. Enterprises need to capitalize on this time, strengthen communication, and actively promote other pangasius products, such as value-added varieties, to seize opportunities in the market, especially with customers near the border like China.