After the positive growth in the previous 2-3 months, until May 2020, the export value of pangasius to China - Hong Kong and the US fell. In May 2020, export value to China - Hong Kong decreased by 11.3%; export to the US plummeted by 51.2%. Exports to ASEAN and the EU also dropped sharply, respectively 57.6% and 36.2% over the same period in 2019.
As of mid-June 2020, pangasius export value to most major markets in the top 10 major importers declined compared to the same period in 2019, except for Singapore and the UK. These were two importers among the top 10 importers that still maintained positive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
China - Hongkong: As of the first half of June 2020, the total export value of pangasius to this market reached US$ 187.9 million, down 15.5% over the same period in 2019. In May and the first half of June 2020, pangasius export value to China - Hong Kong market suddenly leveled off and declined compared to the same period in 2019 as several Chinese ports that closed up importing seafood shipments due to concerns about the risk of Covid-19 infection. Moreover, many supermarkets in Northern China have not sold as before. This has also affected the export price to this market in recent weeks.
The US: The US was still the second-largest exporter of Vietnam pangasius enterprises, accounting for 15.6% of the total pangasius export, reaching US$ 95.5 million (as of the first half of June 2020), down 24.4% % compared to the same period in 2019. The COVID-19 epidemic has a great impact on commercial and business activities in this market. So far, there have been no positive signs of recovery in this market.
EU: Although Vietnam's pangasius export value to the ASEAN market in the first 6 months of 2020 still decreased by 36.6% compared to the same period last year, the negative growth rate showed signs of slowing down. As of the first half of June 2020, the total value of pangasius exports to the EU reached US$ 64.6 million. In particular, pangasius export value to the three largest importers of the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain slumped by 32.7%; 37.1%, and 16.7% respectively over the same period in 2019. Similar to the consumption trend in the US, so far, businesses have not been expecting the export to this market will grow positively like the previous year.
Singapore and the UK: It can be said that these were two special markets during the Covid-19 epidemic, while most of the export value to major importers were affected with negative growth, the export value to these two markets were brighter. As of the first half of June 2020, pangasius export value to Singapore - the second-largest export market of Vietnam pangasius in ASEAN reached US$ 18.5 million, up 5.7% over the same period in 2019. Pangasius export value to the UK market also reached US$ 28.6 million, up 7.1% over the same period in 2019.
It can be said that the overall picture of Vietnamese pangasius exports in the first two quarters of 2020 was not bright due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, pangasius enterprises expect that, from the 3rd quarter of 2020, trade activities will gradually stabilize in some markets, which include the two largest importers (China - Hong Kong and the United States).
(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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