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) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(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.
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