The US
In 2018, the total value of Pangasius export to the US market reached US$549.4 million, an increase of 59.5% compared to 2017, accounting for 24.3% of total Pangasius export of Vietnam. Particularly in December 2018, Pangasius exports to this market increased tremendously by 124% compared to the same period last year, reaching US$55 million. With a steady increase and bigger growth, up to the end of October 2018, the US market has returned to the No 1 position of Vietnam Pangasius export. First of all, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) issued a preliminary conclusion of the 14th anti-dumping tax review (POR14) for the period from August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017 for Vietnamese Tra and Basa fish products exported to the US market. Accordingly, the preliminary tax rates for two mandatory defendants were US$0/kg and US$1.37 / kg. The tax rate for voluntary defendants was US$0.41/kg and the national tax rate was US$2.39/kg. These tax were much lower than the final result of the POR13 review of US$3.87/ kg. Although this was only a preliminary tax rate, it has generated goodwill for Pangasius export enterprises to the US market. Besides, the fact that FSIS recognized Vietnam's catfish control system equivalently to that system in the US. The trade tensions between China and US were also the opportunity for Vietnamese Pangasius to gain market share from Tilapia into a big importer such as the US.
China - Hongkong
By the end of 2018, the value of Pangasius export to the Chinese market reached US$528.6 million, up 28.7% over the previous year, accounting for 23.4% of total export of Pangasius. Although last year, the growth of Pangasius export to China - Hong Kong market has "cooled down" compared to 2 years ago. However, this is still considered a potential and large export market of Vietnamese pangasius export enterprises.
EU
In 2018, exporting pangasius to the EU market has prospered again after years of gloom with export value to this market reached US$243.9 million, up 20.2% over the previous year, accounting for 10.8% total export of pangasius. Thus, the EU is the third largest exporter of Vietnamese Pangasius exporting enterprises (after the US and China - Hong Kong). The four largest importers in the region were Netherlands, England, Germany and Belgium experiencing a very good growth with increasing by 33.4%; 5.9%; 10.5% and 11.8% respectively over the previous year.
Currently, Pangasius products are competing with tilapia and Alaskan pollock in some key markets in Europe. The replacement of pangasius products in some market segments is taking place across Europe with varying degrees. According to CBI, Germany and Poland are suppliers to Central and Eastern European countries, where there is no large import port. According to statistics in 2017, €45 million of frozen pangasius was re-exported within the EU. These countries included the Netherlands (€31 million ), Belgium (€14 million) and Germany (€ 8 million). This is a good signal for Vietnamese Pangasius in these markets.
ASEAN - UAE
At the end of December 2018, Pangasius export to ASEAN markets reached US$202.6 million, up 41.5% compared to 2017. Export to the three largest markets of Thailand, Singapore and Philippines increased positively by 48.8%; 20.7% and 32.1% respectively compared to 2017. In 2018, Pangasius export to ASEAN had many advantages and high demand especially in the "emerging" market of the Philippines.
An increasing bigger market in the Middle East, exporting pangasius to the UAE surged 108.5%, reaching US$48.1 million during 2018. Since the beginning of that same year, export value to this market has grown on three digits. Forecasting in 2019, exporting Pangasius to this market will continue to grow positively because of high demand for stable imports.
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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