As of Mar 2016, Vietnam pangasius exports hit US$365.4 million, up 2.4% over QI/2015. Products of frozen/ fresh pangasius fillets/whole round, (HS code 03) accounted for 99.2% of total export value, while processed pangasius (HS code 16) accounted for 0.8%.
The U.S.
In QI/2016, Vietnam pangasius exports to the U.S. gained US$80.6 million, up 3.4% compared to QI/2015. In spite of the increase in export value, the number of enterprises engaged in exporting pangasius to the U.S. decreased due to high anti-dumping tax. Since the early 2016, the export price of pangasius to the U.S. was affected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s catfish inspection program.
In the next quarters, Vietnam pangasius exports to this market predicted to decrease due to the main reasons above.
The EU
In QI/2016, Vietnam pangasius exports to the EU achieved US$63.6 million, down 6.8% year on year. In particular, among 4 largest importers in the EU bloc, exports to Spain and German picked up 17.9% and 4.4%, respectively, while exports to the Netherlands and the UK took a year-on-year dip of 13% and 22.5%, respectively.
In QII and QIII of 2016, pangasius exports to the EU are predicted to continue the growth of less than 10% over the same period of 2015. Currently, Vietnam pangasius is competing with some white fish species in the EU market. The price of Vietnam pangasius is more competitive than those of these species. Building and promoting the image, prestige of Vietnam pangasius is always prioritized to combat unfair competition through campaign of smear Vietnamese pangasius via mass media.
China - Hong Kong
Through Mar 2016, pangasius exports of Vietnam to the market touched US$25.4 million, up 32.6% over the same period of 2015. In QII/2016, thanks to stable demand, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to China - Hong Kong are expected to increase by 20%-35% over the same period in 2015.
According to the ITC, in 2015, imports of whitefish products into China were relatively stable. In particular, products of frozen Alaska pollock made up the highest proportion of 40-65%; followed by frozen cod with 25-43%; frozen haddock with 6-7%; pangasius and catfish with 1.5 to 4% of total whitefish imports into China.
Brazil
After a continuous decline in export value in 2015, as of mid-Mar 2016, Vietnam pangasius export to Brazil reached US$17.2 million, up 761.5% from the same period last year. In QI/2015, pangasius exports to Brazil were stalled due to the temporary ban imposed by Brazil's Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) on Vietnamese pangasius. Then, since Apr 2015, the MPA allowed to grant import license of seafood products from Vietnam after a pause. Therefore, Vietnam pangasius exports to the market posted the sharp increase in the first 3 months of 2016.
Written by Ta Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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