The total export value of pangasius reached US$ 1.21 billion, down more than 26% over the same period in 2019 by the end of October 2020. In the top 10 largest pangasius export markets of Vietnam, the UK has still been a bright spot with a consecutive positive growth from the beginning of the year.
China-Hongkong
In the first 10 months of this year, the total export value of pangasius to this market reached US$ 428.3 million, accounting for 35.3% of the total pangasius export and down 18% over the same period in 2019. Although the export value has decreased since the Covid-19 pandemic, since October 2020, the import demand of the market has been active again, importers actively import goods even during National Day holidays. This move was also a reason for the pangasius raw material price in the Mekong Delta and the average export price to increase. In October 2020, the number of pangasius enterprises exports to China rose, the export value to this market reached US$ 80 million, accounting for 47% of the total pangasius export. However, so far, the inventory of white fish and tilapia products of Chinese seafood enterprises has been still high since export activities also were affected. Consequently, the Government of this country may issue a number of policies to reduce seafood imports in the coming time.
The US
In October 2020, pangasius export value to this market sank slightly by 4.8% compared to the same period in 2019, reaching US$ 23.3 million. By the end of October 2020, the total export value of pangasius to this market reached US$ 196.7 million, down 15.5% over the same period in 2019. In 2020, the US economy and politics were much more volatile, so the seafood suppliers for this market did not expect much of the sudden growth in the last months of the year. It is anticipated that, in 2020, the value of pangasius exports to the US market might decrease by over 15% compared to 2019.
ASEAN
Although not heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic like the US or some European countries, ASEAN's demand for whitefish imports from February until now has been slow. In many countries, pangasius imports are lower than in the same period in 2019. By the end of October 2020, the total export value of pangasius to ASEAN reached US$ 113.3 million, down nearly 31% over the same period in 2019. In which, exports to Thailand dived by 25.6%; Singapore down by 4.9% and Malaysia diminished by 28%.
The UK
The UK is the highlight of the picture of pangasius export in 2020. By the end of October 2020, there were 10 consecutive months of positive export value growth in this market. The UK was the only market among the top 10 major markets that have not declined due to Covid-19. In October 2020, the export value of pangasius to the UK reached US$ 5.36 million, up 58% over the same period in 2019. By the end of October, the total export value reached nearly US$ 57 million, up 29.3% over the same period in 2019. This year, the number of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises exported to the UK market was higher than that of EU countries.
(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.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Quang Ngai Province, shrimp farming costs are rising sharply due to लगातार increases in feed, fuel, and input material prices, while farm-gate shrimp prices are declining. This has significantly reduced farmers’ profit margins and increased production risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports are experiencing impressive growth, reflecting expanding global demand as well as the sector’s development potential. However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production capacity and supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the coming period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East in 2025 and early 2026 have shown notable growth. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region have increasingly impacted export activities since March. This situation presents a challenge of balancing market expansion opportunities with rising trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities to base their stocking schedules on actual conditions in each farming area, while developing plans, allocating resources, and implementing synchronized measures for disease prevention and disaster risk management in aquaculture production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi exceeded USD 45 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for this product segment amid recovering demand in many markets.
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