This unexpected decline is the consequence of the fact that in 2020, exporting to this market faced many obstacles for example the COVID-19 epidemic. Right from the beginning of 2020, the late return of Chinese seafood processing factories and the disruption of trade due to the coronavirus made the export value of pangasius to this market suddenly decrease. Since the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter, activities to this market became more bustling, preparing for the National Day of China. In October 2020, the export price of frozen pangasius to China - Hong Kong suddenly increased to 2.52 USD/kg, which was higher than the same period last year and much higher than the other months of the year, ranging from 1.55 - 1.65 USD/kg. This price was lower than the previous quarter. But then, the policy of disease control across the border and at ports and border gates for all imported food products made not only Vietnamese pangasius but also many other imported seafood products of other countries stagnant.
Vietnamese pangasius exporters mainly export the following pangasius products to China - Hong Kong: Frozen fillet pangasius, frozen pangasius stomach, fried/dried fish bladder, frozen butterfly-cut whole pangasius, frozen pangasius belly, cut/sliced skin on pangasius fillets, frozen portion cut pangasius fillets, frozen seasoned pangasius fillets, frozen whole pangasius H&G ...
In 2020, there were nearly 145 enterprises exporting pangasius to the Chinese market, 40 enterprises exporting to Hong Kong market, of which, the 3 enterprises with the largest export value to the Chinese market during this period were: IDI Corp; VINH HOAN Corp and TG FISHERY. The three largest pangasius exporters to Hong Kong market were IDI Corp, VINH HOAN Corp and VDTG FOOD.
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Top 15 largest pangasius exporters to China in 2020 |
|
|
No |
Exporter |
|
1 |
I.D.I Corporation |
|
2 |
Vinh Hoan Corporation |
|
3 |
TG Fishery |
|
4 |
GODACO Seafood |
|
5 |
Cadovimex Seafood Im-Ex and Processing Joint Stock Company |
|
6 |
Cat Tuong Seafood Processing Co., Ltd |
|
7 |
Hungca Co., Ltd |
|
8 |
NAVICO |
|
9 |
NTSF Seafoods Joint Stock Company |
|
10 |
Van Duc Tien Giang Food Export Company |
|
11 |
Hoang Long Seafood |
|
12 |
Vinh Tien Seafood One Member Co,, Ltd |
|
13 |
Co May Im-Ex Co,, Ltd |
|
14 |
Cuu Long Fish Joint Stock Company |
|
15 |
Phuc Tam Loi Fisheries Im-Ex Co., Ltd |
(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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