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.
Shrimp has been the most important export product of Vietnam’s seafood industry for many years, typically accounting for 35–45% of the country’s total seafood export value. With a well-developed farming, processing, and export system, Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
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