In particular, there are many markets with a sharp increase in pangasius imports in the past month. Exports to China increased by 26%, reflecting the inevitable trend of the market after the removal of the zero Covid policy. By the end of February, pangasius exports to China reached nearly $73 million, down 8% compared to the same period in 2022, due to a sharp decrease in January.
China imports pangasius through 23 provinces of Vietnam. The top 5 localities that import the most pangasius from Vietnam are Guangdong (accounting for 30%), Shandong and Shanghai both accounted for 12%, Tianjin and Zhanjiang both accounted for 10%.
In 2022, China imported over 253 thousand tons of pangasius from Vietnam, up 71%
In 2022, China imported over 253 thousand tons of pangasius from Vietnam, up 71% compared to 2021. The average import price was at 2.4 USD/kg, up 25%. In which, the highest import prices are in Guangdong, Hubei and Anhui, reaching 2.6 - 2.7 USD/kg.
Beside China, pangasius exports to other markets in February recorded a double digit growth such as the UK (increased by 79%), Colombia (increased by 38%), German (84%), Belgium (90%). Some markets even grew by triple digits such as Saudi Arabia ( up 110%), Portugal (up 90%), Iraq (332%).
However, the decline trend still occurs in many important markets. Pangasius exports to the US went down by 59%, Brazil by 23%, Thailand by 29%, Mexico by 11%.
Nevertheless, the cumulative export of pangasius in the first 2 months of the year still grew by 38% and recorded sales of 240 million USD.
Nevertheless, the cumulative export of pangasius in the first 2 months of the year still grew by 38% and recorded sales of 240 million USD. Only a few markets (UK, Germany, Singapore and Portugal) maintained a positive growth rate of 6-81%. Germany is showing the most positive signal, accounting for 2.6% of pangasius exports, a sharp increase compared to the proportion of 0.9% in the same period last year.
Pangasius exporters are looking forward to positive signals in Chinese, some European countries such as the UK, Germany, Portugal and the Middle East markets. However, exports will not be able to make a strong breakthrough. In the coming months, import demand may increase compared to the beginning of the year, thanks to trade and promotion programs such as fairs and conferences that will promote exports, but export prices will not be as high as in 2022.
Regardless of economic difficulties in 2023, pangasius will still be a suitable choice for consumers in many countries around the world.
Forecast on Vietnam pangasius industry in 2023 - 2025
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the latest statistics for January 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to major market blocs recorded encouraging growth compared with the same period last year, indicating that consumption demand is gradually recovering.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in February 2026 reached approximately USD 707 million, up 8% compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, exports in the first two months of 2026 totaled USD 1.7 billion, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year. The results show that the sector’s recovery momentum has remained relatively solid following strong growth in January, although the pace slowed noticeably in February for several key products and major markets. Within the overall picture, shrimp continues to be the largest pillar, pangasius rebounds strongly, while tuna exports and the U.S. and Korean markets are sending signals that warrant closer monitoring. In March, seafood exports are expected to gain additional momentum from markets other than the U.S., potentially supporting stronger growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, fishing activities in Quang Tri province recorded many positive signals, with output reaching over 15,941 tons. This result not only demonstrates fishermen’s efforts to stay offshore but also reflects the effectiveness of management and support measures implemented by local authorities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, IUU prevention models focused on communication and mobilizing fishermen to comply with fisheries laws and avoid encroaching on foreign waters—related to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—have been implemented in coastal localities of Lam Dong province and have delivered initial positive results.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The sharp rise in raw pangasius prices to record levels is sending positive signals for the industry, but experts warn of potential supply–demand imbalances if production is not tightly controlled.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the country’s total canned tuna export value in 2025 reached over USD 275 million, down 8% compared to 2024. Vietnamese canned tuna products were present in approximately 80 markets worldwide. However, the 2025 picture shows clear divergence: the U.S. maintained stability, the EU declined sharply, while several Middle East–North Africa (MENA) markets accelerated.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s crab exports reached nearly USD 86 million, up almost 6% compared to 2024. A notable feature of 2025 was the strong market concentration in the United States, which accounted for more than 81% of Vietnam’s total crab export value, up 10% from the previous year. In contrast, exports to several Asian markets declined significantly, resulting in only modest overall growth for the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded impressive growth, with total export turnover reaching over USD 99 million, highlighting the increasingly important role of this product in the country’s seafood export structure. Of this total, tilapia fillets and other fish meat products accounted for USD 61 million, representing 61% of total export value and reaffirming their position as the key product category.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp seed quality is considered the “first link” and a decisive factor affecting the efficiency of the entire commercial shrimp production chain. High-quality seed directly influences survival rates, growth performance, and disease resistance, thereby determining production costs, productivity, and farmers’ profitability.
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