After a strong increase in the first half of the year, from July 2022, Vietnam pangasius exports to some key markets such as the US began to slow down because inventories were increasing, consumption and prices also decreased.
In that context, pangasius exports to Mexico still maintained a high growth rate in July: more than doubled over the same period to over 11 million USD.
In the first 7 months of this year, frozen pangasius fillets exported to Mexico accounted for 94% of the total export value with $69 million, and sliced pangasius accounted for 6%, reaching $4.4 million.
The average price of frozen pangasius fillets exported to the Mexican market in the first half of this year was 2.8 USD/kg, 63.5% higher than the average price of 1.71 USD/kg in the same period in 2021.
The Mexican market is a very promising market for Vietnam pangasius exporters
In 2022, inflation in Mexico has reached a record high of 22 years. Mexican consumers must consider and reduce their spending on high-priced food products. With the advantage of competitive prices, plus preferential tax advantages under the CPTPP, Vietnamese pangasius is still a stable choice of Mexican seafood importers.
In the context of the USD appreciation against many other currencies is a challenge for Vietnam exporters. In some markets where the local currency depreciates, importers suffer losses, so they will carefully consider the import plan. There has been a situation where importers "bargain to lower prices" or ask Vietnamese exporters to delay delivery, causing exporters to shoulder the burden of additional storage costs.
However, according to experts, for the Mexican market, the rising USD is good news because Mexico is one of the few countries that receive a huge amount of remittances from the US. Therefore, food consumption of this market will also be less affected than other markets.
With those advantages, many Vietnam pangasius exporters also shifted from some other markets to Mexico. In the first half of this year, there were 30 Vietnamese seafood enterprises exporting pangasius to Mexico. The 3 enterprises with the largest export value are: I.D.I International Development and Investment Joint Stock Company; Vietnamfish Co,. Ltd and CL-Fish Corp. Many pangasius processors in Dong Thap, An Giang, Ben Tre, Can Tho and Vinh Long are also interested in Mexico and promote pangasius exports to this market.
In 2022, Vietnam's pangasius exports to the Mexican market is expected to bring in about 125 million USD, an increase of 80% compared to 2021.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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