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) 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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s scallop exports are entering a phase of impressive growth, as the global market undergoes significant restructuring. In 2025, scallop export value reached nearly USD 66 million, up 49% from USD 44 million in 2024. This upward momentum has continued and accelerated into early 2026, with exports totaling USD 18.1 million in the first two months alone—an increase of 166% year-on-year. This represents an exceptionally high growth rate, reflecting the rapid expansion of a relatively new product segment within Vietnam’s mollusk export portfolio.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) – On March 19, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with the European Commission (EC) inspection delegation on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, led by Mr. Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).
(vasep.com.vn) Australia is emerging as one of the most stable and promising growth markets for Vietnamese shrimp. Amid global trade disruptions driven by geopolitical tensions—particularly conflicts in the Middle East—strengthening and expanding into stable markets like Australia has become increasingly important for Vietnam’s shrimp industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports reached over USD 111 million, up 23% compared to the same period in 2025. This result indicates a positive start for the sector, reflecting early signs of demand recovery in multiple markets from the beginning of the year.
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