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) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
(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.
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