Key single markets: China regains growth momentum
Exports to China & Hong Kong reached USD 73 million in October, up 19% year-on-year. After a slowdown in September, the market has firmly resumed its upward trajectory, confirming a clear rebound in Chinese import demand, especially ahead of the year-end consumption peak.
In contrast, the United States recorded $29 million, down 17% from the same month last year. The Brazilian market reached USD 15 million in October, up 1% - a modest but notable rebound after a decline in September. The United Kingdom continued its sharp decline, with exports dropping to $4 million, down 33% year-on-year.
CPTPP and EU Markets: Growth with clear divergence
The CPTPP region, pangasius exports in the first ten months of 2025 reached $305 million, surging 36% year-on-year and now accounting for 17% of total pangasius exports. By market, Mexico reached $63 million (+1%), Japan hit $39 million (+14%) and Malaysia posted a strong 37% increase, signaling expanding demand in the region.
In the EU, total export value for the first ten months reached $149 million, up a modest 3%. Traditional markets such as the Netherlands and Germany continued to contract, while Spain posted strong 22% growth. This divergence underscores markedly different consumption patterns across EU member states.
Value-added products continue upward trend
During the first 10 months of 2025: frozen pangasius fillets (HS0304): nearly $1.5 billion, up 11% year-on-year. Other frozen/ whole/ dried pangasius (excluding HS0304): $315 million, virtually flat (+0.1%). Processed/ value-added pangasius products: $44 million, up 19%, accounting for 2.4% of total export - a strong potential for value-added items within Vietnam’s pangasius export structure.
After a subdued Q3, October delivered encouraging signs as several major markets began to turn positive, while others remained weighed down by inventories and seasonal import cycles ahead of the holidays.
In Q4/2025, some large markets may continue to weaken as demand has not yet fully recovered. The single most critical catalyst for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 will be the outcome of POR20 in the United States: a confirmed 0% countervailing duty for Vietnamese exporters would significantly boost importer confidence. However, the lingering 20% reciprocal tariff will continue to pressure margins, reinforcing the urgency of market diversification.
The strategic direction for Q4/2025 and 2026 will be expanding exports to CPTPP members (Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, the UK) and the Middle East, where Vietnam benefits from tariff preferences and more favorable market access conditions. The EU is also expected to maintain growth, supported by more flexible technical regulations for farmed products, creating additional room for deeply processed pangasius items.
If Vietnam fully capitalises on these tariff advantages market-shifting opportunities, the pangasius sector stands an excellent chance of sustaining its recovery momentum and achieving durable, long-term growth in 2026.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(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.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn