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) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Amid the increasingly evident impacts of drought and saltwater intrusion, the shrimp-rice production model in Ca Mau province continues to prove itself as a viable direction, contributing to higher farmer incomes, improved soil conditions and the promotion of ecological and sustainable agricultural development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The management of fishing vessels, monitoring of fishing activities, and handling of violations in the fisheries sector in Lam Dong province have continued to be implemented in a synchronized and stringent manner, contributing to raising awareness of legal compliance among fishermen and aiming to end illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho’s fishery industry sustained steady growth in 2025 with total aquatic and marine output reaching nearly 783,000 tons, fulfilling 100% of the annual target. Aquaculture, capture fisheries and fishing fleet management were further strengthened, aiming for sustainable development in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export turnover reached nearly USD 2.2 billion, up 8% year-on-year. This result indicates that pangasius exports maintained their growth momentum despite significant volatility in the global market environment. In December 2025, pangasius export value reached USD 200 million, up 10% compared to December 2024. This solid performance in the final month of the year reflects increased import demand for consumption and inventory replenishment in key markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain experienced significant fluctuations. According to Vietnam Customs, during the first 11 months of 2025, export turnover for the first 11 months of the year edged up by 0.3% year-on-year, reaching nearly $15 million.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has signed Decision No. 16/QD-TTg, dated January 5, 2026, approving the implementation plan for the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). Under the plan, in the coming period, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated entities and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities must institutionalize and execute tasks focused on the dissemination of information regarding VIFTA and the Israeli market; legislative and institutional development, as well as enhancing competitiveness and human resource growth...
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Beyond achieving double-digit growth, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports are showing a notable year-end "inflection point": the EU his accelerating with nearly twofold growth, China & Hong Kong are rising sharply, while the largest market, South Korea, signaled a slowdown in November. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover of fish cake and surimi reached $327 million in the first 11 months of 2025, up 22% year-on-year; November 2025 alone accounted for $35 million, marking a 5% increase. This serves as a critical foundation for exporters to reassess market structures and competitive intensity while finalizing order strategies for 2026.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau, widely regarded as the nation’s “shrimp capital”, continued its strong performance in 2025 as shrimp output reached nearly 600,000 tons, maintaining its position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp-producing locality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On December 29, 2025, at the 2025 Pangasius Industry Review Conference held in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Pangasius Association announced that fingerling prices have surged to record levels due to acute supply shortages.
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