By the end of March 2020, the total export value of pangasius to the ASEAN market reached US$ 39.3 million, down 28.8% compared to the same period in 2019. Exports to the three largest importers all declined, in which exports to Thailand dipped by 23.4%; exports to Malaysia, and Singapore fell by 22% and 27% respectively.
In March 2020, many countries in the region such as Malaysia; The Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore imposed lockdown measures, including restrictions on travel across the country, the shutdown of unnecessary services, and a ban on crowds leading to a prolonged decline in domestic demand. This also has a strong impact on the import and export activities of these countries. In March 2020, the export value of pangasius to the region was only US$ 12.7 million, down US$ 42.8 million. Thailand was still the largest pangasius importer of ASEAN region, but exports to this market plunged by 43.5% in value compared to the same period in 2019.
The demand for pangasius in the region in Q1 was forecasted to remain good and stable compared to the same period in 2019. However, the sudden closure due to the pandemic caused trade activity to be affected. In the first quarter of 2020, Vietnam exported quite a variety of pangasius products to Thailand market such as frozen pangasius fillets, frozen cube pangasius, frozen whole pangasius, pangasius cut pieces... In particular, dried pangasius bubble products exported with an average price from US$12.1 to US$16/kg.
In the first three months of 2020, along with the EU, ASEAN was a region severely economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the level of export decline in value to this market was still lower than that of the EU. So far, ASEAN has been still the third-largest importer of Vietnam pangasius enterprises (after China - Hong Kong and the US).
Like other big potential markets, it is difficult to make an accurate forecast for pangasius exports to ASEAN in the second quarter of 2020, only when the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, the socio-economic activities of countries are stable, there will have opportunities for enterprises to continue to boost exports to this market. However, this is still a potential market for enterprises after COVID-19.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
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