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) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn
