The EU is one of the markets that consumes the most Vietnamese pangasius. However, in the first 5 months of this year, this market continuously increased and decreased erratically in demand for pangasius imports. After increasing imports of pangasius from Vietnam by 20% in January, the EU immediately reduced imports in the following two months. In February 2024, the EU imported 8 million USD, down 46%, and in March 2024, it imported more than 18 million, down 7% over the same period last year.
One of the reasons leading to the decrease in February 2024 was due to the Lunar New Year holiday. However, February 2024 was still the month that witnessed the lowest pangasius export value to this market in the past 3 years, since the beginning of 2022. Although still down 7% compared to the same period in 2023, the value of pangasius exports to the EU in March 2024 was still recorded as the highest level since April last year.
Frozen pangasius fillets are still the main product of Vietnam exported to the EU. In the first 5 months of this year, the EU bought 67 million USD of frozen pangasius fillets, down 8% over the same period last year, accounting for 11% of the total value of Vietnam exporting this product to markets and accounting for 95% of the total value of this product. Pangasius exports its value to the EU. Exports of other products such as frozen whole or cut pangasius (HS code 03) (except fish under HS code 0304) and high-value pangasius to the EU also witnessed negative growth in the first 5 months of this year, with the value for the first time reaching nearly 3 million USD, down 14%, accounting for a 4% proportion, and nearly 1 million USD, down 34% over the same period, accounting for a 1% proportion.
The Netherlands is still the country that imports the most Vietnamese pangasius in the bloc, with an import value of nearly 2 million USD in the first half of June 2024, up 3% over the same period in 2023. As of June 15, 2024, Pangasius exports to the Netherlands reached nearly 21 million USD, down 9% over the same period last year.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached $3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth momentum is moderating and market divergece is becoming more pronounced, while the US and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global shrimp forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers place greater emphasis on quality, product specifications, supply consistency and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports continued to grow in August 2026, bringing total export value in the first eight months of the year to US$1.5 billion, up 10% year-on-year. August exports alone reached US$205 million, up 6%. However, market performance has become increasingly divergent, with China and Brazil posting positive growth while the U.S. continued to record a sharp decline.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached US$1.14 billion in August 2026, up 6.4% year on year, bringing the total for the first eight months to more than US$8.0 billion, an increase of 11.9%. Monthly export value remained above US$1 billion, but August growth was only around half the rate recorded cumulatively through the first eight months. This indicates that the eight-month result was supported significantly by stronger performance in earlier months, while market conditions are entering a less predictable period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius is attracting growing interest from Japanese seafood companies as prices of many traditional whitefish species remain high and supply becomes increasingly volatile. Notably, seafood group Kyokuyo has recently continued to feature pangasius among its priority products, highlighting its competitive pricing and stable supply.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As Vietnam’s tilapia industry searches for new growth opportunities, venturing into brackish-water aquaculture could unlock a formidable competitive moat. Bypassing the volume-and-price bloodbath against established global heavyweights, Vietnam could differentiate itself through high-quality tilapia products tailored to specific farming conditions and value-added market segments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) 2026 is rapidly shaping up to be a formidable stress test for Vietnamese pangasius exports to the United States. While exports to alternative markets maintain a resilient growth trajectory, the U.S market has declined significantly. In the first eight months of the year, pangasius exports to the U.S fell by nearly 14% year-on-year, with August alone recording a decline of more than 50%. The trend shows that difficulties in the U.S. market are not driven solely by weak consumer demand, but also by multiple layers of trade barriers that are intensifying simultaneously, particularly additional import tariffs, anti-dumping duties and growing protectionism for the domestic catfish industry.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Japan are showing positive signals in 2026, indicating that the market is opening up greater opportunities for pangasius products, particularly processed and value-added products. In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Japan reached US$31 million, up 20% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached approximately US$5 million, up 30%.
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
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