CPTPP and Brazil Expand Market Share
Compared to 2024, the CPTPP (including Japan, Canada, Mexico, Chile, etc.) posted impressive 35% growth in the first nine months of 2025, reaching $271.4 million and lifting its share to approximately 17% of total export value (up from 14% in 2024). This surge reflects both tariff advantages under the trade pact and rising regional demand for sustainably sourced seafood products.
Brazil continues to stand out as a bright spot in South America with pangasius imports from Vietnam surging 45% to $128 million - a 2% increase in market share to 8% of total exports. Thailand also recorded solid growth of 27%, reaching $58.3 million, supported by recovering domestic consumption and re-exports to ASEAN markets.
Traditional markets ease slightly but retain dominant
In contrast, China - Hong Kong, Vietnam’s largest pangasius market, showed signs of stabilization, reaching $409.8 million in the first nine months of 2025 - a modest 2% decline from the same period in 2024. Nevertheless, it still commands nearly 26% of total export value, remaining the cornerstone of Vietnam’s export structure.
Exports to the United States totaled $257.2 million, representing 16% of total turnover, a 2% decline in share year-on-year. This reflects market saturation, intensifying competition from other whitefish species such as Alaska pollock and cod, alongside ongoing tariff-related headwinds. Meanwhile, the EU maintained a stable 8% share, generating $134.2 million - supported by rising demand for convenience foods and a shift away from Russian supplies.
Notably, the “other markets” cluster (Middle East, South Asia and Africa) recorded $340 million, up 3.6%, reflecting Vietnamese firms’ proactive efforts to diversify and mitigate concentration risk.
Vietnam’s pangasius export landscape in 2025 is thus undergoing a clear rebalancing. Traditional powerhouses like China and the U.S no longer hold absolute dominance; while CPTPP, South America and ASEAN are assuming greater significance. This shift highlights Vietnamese exporters’ adaptability - expanding into new markets while investing in value-added products aligned with global green and sustainable consumption trends.
Given current momentum, industry experts forecast a strong rebound in pangasius exports in Q4/2025, driven by year-end demand and early orders for the 2026 Lunar New Year season. However, rising raw material costs may pressure margins, requiring companies to optimize operations and maintain consistent quality to sustain growth.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
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