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) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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