China - Hongkong: Since the end of February and early March 2020, pangasius export to this market has just started to recover and grow again after Chinese processing factories returned to work. By the end of April 2020, the total export value of pangasius to the China - Hong Kong market reached US$111.1 million, down 20.2% compared to the same period in 2019. Particularly the export value to the Hong Kong market down 24.6% over the same period in 2019. Thus, up to this point, China - Hong Kong was still the largest importer of Vietnam pangasius enterprises, accounting for 24.7% of the total export value.
Until March and April 2020, although Chinese customers have begun to import again, mainly to stockpile because the enterprises of these countries worry that they will not be able to import more goods if Vietnam carries out the social isolation for an indefinite period. Moreover, after reopening post-COVID-19 production, Chinese people are still worried about eating outside or many restaurants still are closed after the pandemic, consumption at this channel is slow because buyers mainly buy via online system or supermarket. Some Chinese customers also offered to reduce the purchase price.
The US: After increasing by 26.4% compared to the same period of 2019 in March, in April 2020, the export value of pangasius to this market decreased by 20.7% compared to the same period in 2019. So far, the US has been the most hard-hit country in the world by COVID-19, its production activities face many difficulties. Food and aquatic product processing factories are facing labor difficulties. Therefore, pangasius export to the US in April 2020 slumped again. By the end of April 2020, pangasius export value to the US market reached 74.6%, down 14.6% over the same period in 2019.
ASEAN: By the end of April 2020, pangasius export to ASEAN reached US $53 million, down 24.4% compared to the same period in 2019. Thus, up to this point, ASEAN has been the third-largest importer of Vietnam pangasius (after China - Hong Kong and the US), accounting for 11.8% of total pangasius export value. Notably, in April 2020, pangasius exports to ASEAN declined, of which, exports to the largest importer in the region, Thailand also fell by nearly 30%; exports to Malaysia dived by 31% but the export value to Singapore spiked by 127, 6% over the same period in 2019. By the end of April 2020, pangasius exports to Singapore also rose by 12.7% compared to the same period in 2019. This was the market with the largest positive growth rate among the top 10 largest importers of Vietnam.
EU: After China, the EU was the second market heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in major importing markets in the bloc such as Italy, Spain, and the UK ... Lockdown measures in some countries such as Italy caused a sharp decline in seafood consumption demand because business activities of restaurants, hotels, and schools were closed. The stagnant of business activities caused seafood distributors to reduce prices, affecting the price of imported seafood. Therefore, in the first 4 months of 2020, pangasius exports to the EU faced many difficulties. By the end of April 2020, the export value of pangasius to this market reached US $48.3 million, down 36%, of which, exports to the three largest importers in the bloc: Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium all decreased, respectively: 29%; 31% and 38.8%.
With the complicated situation of COVID-19 pandemic in major export markets such as the US, EU, Brazil ..., it is difficult for pangasius exports in Q2 to escape negative growth. In the 3rd quarter, if the pandemic situation in some epidemic central countries is controlled, production and business activities reopened, the pangasius export will have a chance to recover.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
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