China – Hong Kong
In the first 7 months of 2019, the total export value of pangasius to the China - Hong Kong market reached US $ 320 million, up 10.4% over the same period in 2018. In particular, in July 2019, the export value to this market grew incredibly by 71.1% compared to the same period last year despite the decrease of 19.1% in pangasius export value to Hong Kong.
The US-China trade war has caused Chinese exports to be working slowly. The move of devaluing the Reminbi of China to boost exports and reduce imports also reduces the amount of goods entering this market.
After many years with positive growth rate, Vietnamese pangasius exports to this market fell in 3 months (in the first 7 months of this year).
Moreover, the plan to "localize" Chinese pangasius is also being encouraged and invested by the Government of this country. It is forecasted that in the second half of this year, Vietnam's pangasius exports to China - Hong Kong still grew positively but will not reach the expected level.
The US
In July 2019, pangasius exports to the US reached US $ 25.6 million, down 56.2% over the same period in 2018. By the end of July 2019, the total value reached US $ 167.6 million, down 34.3% compared to the same period in 2018. Although, the US still ranked second in the top largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius. But from now until the end of 2019, pangasius exports to this market will be difficult to escape the negative growth and will continue to decrease in the coming months. Many technical and commercial barriers in this market are being set up for many supplieres of whitefish, including both China and Vietnam.
EU
In July 2019, pangasius export value to the UK market began to decline and slow down markedly. This market is considered to be a great potential in this region with high selling prices in addition to favor high quality products. By the end of July 2019, pangasius export value to the UK market - the second largest market in the EU reached US $ 33.3 million, up 36.3%, in July 2019 alone, the value decreased by 10% compared to with the same period in 2018. Also during this period, in July 2019, pangasius export value to the largest market in the region decreased by 28.3%. Pangasius exports to Germany and Belgium in the first 7 months of this year grew well at 39.6% and 32.5% respectively, over the same period in 2018. Thanks to positive growth in export value in some individual markets, so the total export value of pangasius to the EU in the first 7 months was US $ 156.7 million, up 12.6%.
Other markets
In the first 7 months of 2019, pangasius exports to ASEAN, Mexico and Japan went up by 4.6%; 13% and 7.7% respectively, but exports to Brazil and Colombia dropped by 18.6% and 25.4% respectively over the same period in 2018. It is forecasted that in the second half of the year, the growth rate in these large potential markets will remain the same as in the first half.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Nearly US$1.7 billion is the projected gap in 2029 between the baseline scenario and a scenario in which Vietnam’s seafood exports grow by 10% annually, according to calculations by VASEP to be presented at Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026. This gap raises a key question for the entire industry: Which markets, products and supply chain improvements will generate the additional growth?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Although Germany’s tuna imports have declined, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the market continue to show positive signs. Notably, export value recovered strongly in Q3/2026, and German import data also show Vietnamese products strengthening their position amid competition among suppliers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Seafood exports are holding double-digit growth, but the opportunities are not spread evenly across product groups and markets. As businesses draw up their plans for 2027, Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS2026) offers a chance to look ahead together: what to sell, where to sell it, and how to prepare for growth in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than two weeks to go, the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) will officially take place in Can Tho. Under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029 – Opportunities and Potential for Double-Digit Export Growth,” the Summit is organized by VASEP at a time when seafood businesses are facing rapid market shifts, changing buyer demand, trade policy changes and growing competitive pressure all at once.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 28, 2026, the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo opened in Qingdao, China. The expo takes place over three days from October 28 to 30, 2026. This is a prestigious specialized seafood exhibition organized annually by Sea Fare Exposition Inc.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the CPTPP bloc reached $7 million, marking a 51% year-on-year increase. The bloc rstands as the fourth-largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, trailing Brazil, the US, and Saudi Arabia.
(vasep.com.vn) VASEP has officially announced the program for Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026), featuring five in-depth sessions covering industry outlooks, trade barriers, buyer demand, the domestic market, and solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs across the seafood value chain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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