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) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK have shown positive signs in the first months of 2026. While the UK’s overall tuna imports from the world declined, imports from Vietnam increased strongly, indicating that there is still room for Vietnam to expand its market share. However, behind this growth, competitive pressure remains intense, especially as the UK continues to be a major market for established suppliers such as Ecuador, Mauritius, and Ghana.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Biofloc technology is being piloted in several rice–shrimp farming models in Ca Mau Province, showing initial positive results in controlling pond environments, improving shrimp seed quality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(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.
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