Cumulative exports of Vietnamese pangasius in the first 10 months of this year reached more than 1.5 billion USD, down 29% compared to the same period in 2022. In October 2023, pangasius exports recorded positive growth to markets such as China & HK, Mexico, Canada, the EU, Germany, etc., in which some South American and Asian markets are considered potential, such as Brazil, China, and Thailand, with double-digit growth rates.
In October 2023, China and Hong Kong continued to be the leading markets for Vietnamese pangasius exports and recorded positive growth with a value equivalent to the previous month, up 15% over the same period last year. In the first 10 months of this year, pangasius exports to this market decreased by 23%, reaching more than 490 million USD.
Pangasius export turnover to the US in October 2023 reached more than 21 million USD, down from nearly 23 million USD the previous month and down 43% over the same period last year. By the end of October 2023, cumulative pangasius exports to this market decreased by more than half compared to the first 10 months of 2022 and only reached 228 million USD. The US market has shown signs of improving consumer demand; the company's product inventory level at distributors and retailers in the US has decreased to an average level; along with that, consumer confidence index usage continues to improve. These factors, along with the year-end holiday season, can stimulate businesses here to increase inventory accumulation, which will be an opportunity for seafood exports in general.
The EU has increased imports of Vietnamese pangasius since September 2023 and maintained a stable increase in October of 10% with a value of nearly 15 million USD. By the end of October 2023, the EU had imported 144 million USD of Vietnamese pangasius, down 17% over the same period last year. In particular, Germany is still the bright spot of this market block, when Vietnamese pangasius exports to here increased by 44% compared to the first 10 months of 2022. In October 2023 alone, the market increased imports of pangasius products by 2.5 times. Demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the EU gradually increased again due to preparations for the year-end festive season. The EU is expected to be a bright spot for exports in the last months of this year when it is considered to have a more stable economy than other key markets.
October 2023 is a peak month for the service industry to prepare for the major holidays of the year, when consumers increase their demand for products, including Vietnamese pangasius. Signs of recovery and slight growth in the first month of the fourth quarter of this year are expected to maintain and increase in the last 2 months of 2023. However, exporters should also seek to exploit other potential markets in South America and Asia, in addition to the US and China, and at the same time promote the export of other products besides frozen fillets to maintain the initiative.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, tuna exports in the first month of 2026 reached over USD 75 million, up 13% compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, exports increased in most key markets such as Japan, the EU, and Russia, while exports to the United States fell by 6%—a contrasting development amid ongoing adjustments in U.S. import tariff policies and new compliance requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect at the beginning of the year.
(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.
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