Pangasius exports to major markets in 2025
In December 2025, pangasius exports to China reached USD 60 million, surging 25% year-on-year and accounting for nearly 30% of total monthly pangasius exports. For the whole of 2025, pangasius exports to China totaled nearly USD 560 million, up 2% compared to 2024.
Exports to the United States in December amounted to USD 17 million, down 37% year-on-year, indicating that demand in this market has yet to recover. For full-year 2025, pangasius exports to the US reached USD 325 million, down nearly 6% compared to 2024. The combined impact of a 20% retaliatory tariff and high inventory levels has continued to weigh on pangasius export performance in this market.
In December 2025, pangasius exports to the EU reached USD 16 million, up 2% year-on-year. Although the increase was modest, it is still considered a positive signal at the end of 2025. For the full year, exports to the EU totaled USD 175 million, down slightly 1% compared to 2024.
In 2025, pangasius exports to Brazil reached USD 176 million, posting a strong 36% increase year-on-year. In December alone, exports to this market reached USD 18 million, up 65% compared to December 2024, making Brazil one of the fastest-growing pangasius markets of the year.
In the final month of 2025, exports to CPTPP member countries rose 30% year-on-year. Within this bloc, pangasius exports to the UK reached USD 6 million (+12%), Mexico reached USD 7 million (+3%), and Japan reached USD 4 million (+33%). For the full year 2025, pangasius exports to CPTPP markets increased 34%, reaching USD 367 million, with key contributors including Mexico (USD 77 million), the UK (USD 60 million), and Colombia (USD 56 million).
In 2025, pangasius exports to ASEAN reached USD 203 million, up 20% compared to 2024. In December alone, exports to this region reached USD 16 million, up 8% year-on-year. Meanwhile, pangasius exports to the Middle East totaled USD 176 million in 2025, up 19% year-on-year, with December exports also reaching USD 16 million, an 8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Product structure
In 2025, export value of pangasius products under HS 0304 (frozen fillets and portions) reached nearly USD 1.8 billion, up 9% compared to 2024, continuing to account for the largest share of total pangasius export turnover. Exports of fresh/frozen/dried whole pangasius (HS 03, excluding HS 0304) reached USD 377 million, down 0.7% year-on-year. Meanwhile, exports of processed and value-added pangasius products (HS 16) reached nearly USD 51 million, up 8% compared to 2024, although their share remains relatively modest.
Outlook for Vietnam’s pangasius industry in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports are expected to continue facing considerable pressure, particularly from the approximately 20% retaliatory tariff imposed by the United States, which reduces the price competitiveness of Vietnamese pangasius in this market. The decline in export turnover recorded in December 2025 suggests that this trend is unlikely to improve in the near term. As a result, accelerating market diversification toward CPTPP countries, ASEAN, and the Middle East is considered a necessary strategy. Strong growth in Brazil is a positive signal, although the market currently mainly imports frozen pangasius fillets.
In addition, while processed and value-added pangasius products have made progress, their development remains below potential. Going forward, enterprises need to step up investment in deep processing, diversify product offerings, and maintain and expand sustainability certifications. These efforts will help enhance product value, meet increasingly stringent international market standards, and lay a solid foundation for stable growth in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
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