According to US Department of Commerce statistics, in the first 5 months of 2019, US catfish imports decreased in all suppliers (Vietnam, China, Thailand and Guyana). However, this country imported more pangasius from 2 new suppliers (Spain and Taiwan) compared to the previous quarter. In particular, Vietnam still accounted for 91.6 - 96% of total US imports of pangasius.
According to the International Trade Center (ITC), the US imported frozen tilapia fillets worth US $ 417 million from China in 2018. The second largest supplier was Indonesia, having the import value of around US $ US$41 million. However, since May 10, 2019, when the US officially raised the tax rate on imported seafood products from China from 10% to 25%, the shock of Chinese tilapia exports has slowed down the speed of China.
Tilapia is also the largest competitive product with Vietnam pangasius in the US market. According to statistics of the US Department of Commerce, by the end of June 2019, imports of frozen tilapia (Oreochromis Spp) from China fell by 13% in volume and 16% in value over the same period in 2018; Import of frozen NSPF tilapia from China also dropped by 28% in volume and 27% in value over the same period in 2018.
Businesses hope that the decrease in Chinese tilapia market share in the US shall create opportunities for Vietnam pangasius in this market. Having said that, in QII/2019, the export value of Vietnamese pangasius to the US dropped sharply by nearly 42% over the same period in 2018.
Moreover, according to ITC statistics, in the first 5 months of 2019, the US reduced imports of white meat, which not only Chinese tilapia but also pangasius products from Vietnam. In contrast, this country rose imports of white fish from Norway; Iceland; Canada, Chile, even climbed imports from Russia.
In QII/2019, Vietnamese enterprises exported mainly frozen pangasius fillets and frozen pangasius well trimmed to the US with prices ranging from US$1.01 - US$5.54/kg.
With the current export situation, it is predicted that in the last two quarters, pangasius export to the US market will be likely continue to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese tilapia is moving into a higher-value segment as brackish-water farmed fish from the Mekong Delta is now being processed for sashimi and exported regularly to Japan.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
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