In September 2024, the export turnover for pangasius to Iraq reached nearly $1.8 million, reflecting a remarkable 155% increase compared to the same month in 2023. The cumulative value of pangasius exports to Iraq during the third quarter of 2024 alone totaled nearly $5 million, a staggering 111% rise from Q3 2023. Notably, the total pangasius export value for the first nine months of 2024 reached $11 million, an impressive 127% increase over the same period last year, and nearly 1.5 times the total export value for all of 2023.
Product Preferences and Market Dynamics
Unlike many of Vietnam’s other pangasius import markets, Iraq has shown a strong preference for dried fish products and other frozen options, such as whole fish and cut portions. In the first three quarters of 2024, exports of these products to Iraq amounted to $8 million, representing a 245% increase from the previous year and accounting for 73% of total exports. Meanwhile, frozen pangasius fillets contributed nearly $3 million in export value, reflecting a more modest growth of 19% year-over-year, and making up 27% of total pangasius exports to the country.
Iraq serves as a significant market and a longstanding trading partner for Vietnam. Despite being one of the world's largest oil exporters, Iraq's aquaculture industry is relatively underdeveloped. The primary freshwater fish species include various Barbus species and carp, primarily sourced from domestic waters and the Persian Gulf. The lack of an industrial fish processing sector means that most fish consumed in Iraq are fresh, with fishing contributing only a small fraction to the country's GDP.
Remarkably, despite geographical challenges and ongoing regional conflicts, Iraq's demand for Vietnamese pangasius products continues to grow. This resilience suggests a robust opportunity for further expansion in this market.
Leading Exporters
Among the exporters, Cuu Long An Giang Seafood Import-Export Joint Stock Company stands out as the leading supplier of pangasius to Iraq, capturing an impressive 60% share of the
The substantial increase in pangasius exports to Iraq underscores the potential for growth in this market, driven by specific consumer preferences for dried and frozen fish products. As Vietnam continues to strengthen its presence in the Middle Eastern seafood market, companies will need to adapt to local demands and navigate the complexities of the regional trade environment to maximize their opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 498 million in October 2025, up 26% from the same period last year. This is one of the highest monthly revenues since the beginning of the year, reflecting solid demand in major markets and faster shipment schedules by exporters. From January to October, shrimp export value reached USD 3.9 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2025, the US Court of International Trade (CIT) officially issued an order to suspend the case filed by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and several US seafood companies against the US Government concerning the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang’s fisheries sector has maintained stable growth momentum during the first nine months of 2025, making an important contribution to the province’s socio-economic development. Despite facing numerous challenges, the province is implementing various measures to enhance production efficiency, expand markets, and promote sustainable fisheries development toward deeper integration into the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value in September 2025 reached USD 181 million, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. The overall trend for the pangasius industry remains positive, with total exports in the first nine months of 2025 reaching nearly USD 1.6 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year.
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