Accumulated in the first 9 months of 2023, Vietnam's pangasius exports reached nearly 1.4 billion USD, down 31% over the same period last year. In particular, the main export product is pangasius with HS code 0304 (except fish cakes and surimi products) reaching 1.1 billion USD, accounting for 82%. In September 2023 alone, exports to other markets reached 135 million USD, down 4% compared to the same period in 2022. This is the lowest decline since the beginning of this year, followed by live/fresh/frozen/dried pangasius products (HS code 03) (except HS code 0304) reaching 222 million USD, accounting for 16% and other processed pangasius (HS code 16) reached 22 million USD, accounting for 2%.
Regarding the consumption market, in September 2023, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to main markets like China & Hong Kong, EU, Brazil, Mexico,... recorded positive double-digit growth. In addition, the US market, CPTPP, Korea, Singapore,... recorded a decline of 3% to 54% compared to the same period last year.
In September 2023, China & Hong Kong imported 56 million USD of Vietnam’s pangasius, up 15% over the same period last year. By the end of September 2023, export turnover to China & Hong Kong reached 434 million USD, down 26% compared to the same period in 2022. China & Hong Kong have continuously led the top import markets of Vietnam’s pangasius from 2019 to present and are the largest consumer markets for vietnam's pangasius.
The US ranked 2nd in importing vietnam's pangasius. In September alone, the US bought nearly 23 million USD of Vietnam's pangasius, down 29% over the same period last year. High inventory is the factor causing the value of pangasius exports to this market to continuously decline since the beginning of this year. Accumulated in the first 9 months of 2023, pangasius exports to the US reached 207 million USD, down 54% compared to the same period in 2022.
The EU is one of the markets recording positive growth in September 2023. In September, the EU consumed more than 14 million USD of Vietnam’s pangasius, up 11% over the same period last year, up 9% over the previous month. In the first 9 months of 2023, the EU imported 129 million USD of pangasius, down 19% over the same period last year. With export value resuming positive in September 2023, the EU is gradually returning to the top markets importing pangasius from Vietnam.
The CPTPP market narrowed its decline to 4% in September 2023 when pangasius export turnover reached 21 million USD. This is also the lowest decrease of this market sector since the beginning of the year. However, some markets in the CPTPP bloc still gained 10% - 70% such as Japan, Mexico, New Zealand,...
In September 2023, pangasius exports to several main markets showed signs of recovery after a long period of decline. This is a positive signal in the context that most economies in the world have low growth rates due to declining aggregate demand, inflation, central banks tightening monetary policy, world public debt increasing to record levels, the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, geopolitical instability, food security, natural disasters, climate change... It is expected that the recovery momentum from the end of the third quarter will support pangasius exports in the fourth quarter.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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