China – the U.S
These are the two largest importing markets of Vietnamese pangasius in the last 3 years and are frequently replaced by each other in the leading position. In the past two years, the export value of Vietnamese pangasius to China rocketed, many pangasius export companies rushed to this market. As a result, China replaced the U.S to rank the 1st in the top 10 markets of Vietnam pangasius.
In the first eight months of this year, the export value of Vietnamese pangasius to China - Hong Kong reached US$332.5 million, up 34.4% over the same period last year and accounted for 23.5% of total exports. However, since June 2018, the speed of exports to this market tended to decrease. The US-China trade war made many pangasius enterprises see the opportunity to promote exports to the U.S.
With the U.S market, by the end of August 2015, the export value of pangasius to this market reached US$321.2 million, up 34.2% over the same period last year and stayed as the second largest importing market of Vietnam (behind China - Hong Kong). However, with a more positive expected export growth in QIV/2018, the U.S returned to the leading position. Since June 2018, when pangasius enterprises decreased their attention to the Chinese market, the export value of pangasius to the U.S increased with an average export value of US$50 - 66 million per month. In particular, in August 2018, the export value of pangasius to the U.S reached US$65.9 million, up 256% over the same period in 2017.
The EU
Notably, from June 2018, the export value of pangasius to the EU began to increase gradually with the average monthly export value from US$21-25 million. This is a good signal after 3 consecutive years of exporting pangasius to this market faced difficulties. After many times being smeared in some big export markets in Europe, the export value of pangasius to this market has fallen sharply, especially for the whole of 2017. By the end of Aug 2018, the export value to the UK market decreased by 5.5% over the same period last year, while that to other three large single market in the block including the Netherlands, Germany and Italy increased by 37%; 0.5% and 75.5%, respectively. It is forecasted that this positive growth will continue until the end of 2018. In the first eight months of this year, the total export value of pangasius to the EU reached US$160.1 million, up 15.4% over the same period before.
ASEAN
In 2018, pangasius exports to ASEAN market were stable, even quite good. By the end of August, the total export value hit US$129.3 million, an increase of 41.9% over the same period of 2017. Of these, sales to the three largest importing markets including Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines rose by 43.6%; 26.7% and 43.6% respectively over the same period last year. Especially, this year, the export value to the two potential markets in the ASEAN market (Singapore and the Philippines) increased continuously.
Mexico - Brazil
In 2017, pangasius exports to these two markets had offset the decline in some major export markets, but this year, exports to Mexico and Brazil decreased. In August, the value of pangasius exports to Mexico decreased by 22.5%; to Brazil by 27.3% compared with August 2017. By the end of August, the total export value to these two markets decreased by 8.1% and 30.8%, respectively, over the same period last year.
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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