Frozen pangasius fillet product with code HS 0304 was still the main product exported to the UK market, the value in QII/2023 reached more than 15 million USD, down 15% compared to the same period last year. Total pangasius export turnover to the UK in the first 6 months of the year reached 33 million USD, recording a positive growth of 2.9% over the same period last year.
The average price of pangasius exports to the UK in the first 7 months of the year continuously fluctuated but always remained below 3.3 USD/kg. After dropping sharply in June to below 2.7 USD/kg, in July 2023 the price of pangasius exports to this market increased slightly to 2.8 USD/kg. In July 2023, the export volume to the UK reached more than 1.4 thousand tons, down 11% over the same period last year, up 5% over June and up 138% over January this year.
3 main important factors that will impact the consumption potential of the pangasius industry: sustainability, transparency, traceability
At the 2023 International Pangasius Outlook Forum within the framework of VIETFISH 2023, Mr. Arno Willemink - Operations Director of De Heus Vietnam presented 3 main important factors that will impact the consumption potential of the pangasius industry. Future investigations include sustainability, transparency and traceability issues. This trend will take place not only in main markets such as the US or EU but also other potential retail markets. Mr. Willemink said that pangasius at reasonable prices is gradually replacing naturally caught white-fish (if the fishing output remains stable, does not increase over the years).
In the first months of 2023, the UK is one of the few bright spots recording positive growth while most markets reduced imports of Vietnamese pangasius due to world fluctuations.
The biggest challenge for the UK economy and the pangasius export industry to this market is still high inflation
The biggest challenge for the UK economy and the pangasius export industry to this market is still high inflation. External conditions are unfavorable to British economic growth, when economic leaders in the region and the world such as Germany and China are still sluggish "going downhill" to escape the risk of recession; The Russia-Ukraine war and "headwinds" from economic sanctions from major countries are still creating obstacles to British economic growth.
Towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam. Along with many commemorative activities, it demonstrates the long-term friendship and cooperation between the two countries and affirms that the relationship between the UK and Vietnam is at the highest level with a lot of potential in the coming years. It is expected that new steps in diplomatic relations between the two countries will open up more opportunities for Vietnamese seafood exports in general and pangasius exports in particular to the UK.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Aquaculture, capture fisheries, and seed production activities in Lam Dong in the early months of 2026 continued to show positive signs, with both output and farming area slightly increasing compared to the same period, contributing to maintaining overall industry stability.
(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.
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