Since the beginning of the year, U.S. pangasius imports have remained subdued, with export value concentrated more heavily in January and April. The cautious sentiment among importers is believed to have been significantly influenced by changes in U.S. tariff policies. Amid continued uncertainty over costs and trade policies, importers have tended to limit large-volume commitments and wait for further information before adjusting their purchasing plans.
POR21 Reversal Adds Pressure on Exporters
The outlook for Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S. became more challenging after the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced the final results of POR21, with significantly higher tariff rates imposed on several companies. Compared with the preliminary results, Bien Dong’s rate increased from US$0.29 to US$1.00/kg, NTSF’s from US$0.07 to US$0.38/kg, while the rates for CASEAMEX and NAVICO rose from US$0.23 to US$0.84/kg.
Companies that had their own separate rates from previous review periods will continue to be subject to their most recent individual rates. Meanwhile, companies that do not qualify for individual rates will face the country-wide rate of US$2.39/kg. The tariff increases raise costs and affect the competitiveness of Vietnamese pangasius in the U.S. market.
Thus, following the relatively favorable POR20 period, during which some companies received a zero-duty rate, POR21 represents a significant reversal and adds further pressure to pangasius exports to the U.S. Companies should exercise caution when determining cash deposit amounts for new shipments and directly cross-check their documentation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the DOC.
However, opportunities remain in the U.S. market. Whitefish supplies are facing pressure as some fishing grounds have tightened catch quotas for cod and pollock, creating some room for farmed species such as pangasius. Nevertheless, the expansion of Alaska pollock quotas and increasingly visible competition from tilapia will add further pressure to demand for pangasius.
Market Diversification Can Reduce Dependence
The impact of POR21 on exports is not the same for all companies. Businesses with less dependence on the U.S. market, diversified export markets or a focus on niche markets will be better positioned to mitigate the impact of higher tariffs. In practice, some companies that are less focused on the U.S. market have proactively diversified their pangasius export destinations, thereby reducing dependence on a single market.
In this context, although POR21 presents a challenge for pangasius exports to the U.S., it also provides an incentive for companies to adjust their market strategies and expand into CPTPP markets, the EU, the Middle East, China and other potential destinations. Market diversification will help companies spread risks and become more proactive in responding to changes in trade policies.
Alongside market expansion, improving product quality and value will be a key factor in maintaining the competitiveness of Vietnamese pangasius. Companies should focus on quality, brand building, international certifications, traceability and, particularly, the development of value-added and deeply processed products rather than relying primarily on frozen fillets.
Better compliance with the requirements of individual markets, differentiation through quality and product diversification will enable Vietnamese pangasius to make better use of new market opportunities while strengthening its competitiveness in traditional markets.
POR21, therefore, is not merely a tariff challenge but also a test of the Vietnamese pangasius industry’s ability to adapt. The U.S. remains an important market with further potential, but the industry’s growth outlook should not depend on a single destination. In the long term, market diversification, higher product quality and the development of value-added products will provide the foundation for Vietnamese pangasius to sustain growth and strengthen its position in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Marking 27 years of supporting Vietnam’s seafood industry, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (VIETFISH 2026) will officially return from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, on its largest scale ever. Under the core theme “Innovation – Sustainability,” the event promises to provide a comprehensive picture of the transformation of Vietnam’s seafood industry toward greater value addition and sustainable development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than three weeks remaining, the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the theme "Innovation – Sustainability," Vietfish 2026 will provide a comprehensive networking platform for seafood businesses, buyers, distributors, industry experts, government agencies, and domestic and international visitors.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the technical seminar “Green and Sustainable Technology Solutions for the Aquaculture and Seafood Processing Value Chain” will take place from 09:30 to 11:45 on August 20, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. The seminar is jointly organized by VASEP, the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam, focusing on technological innovation and sustainable transformation across Vietnam’s seafood value chain.
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