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
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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