Shipments to other big potential markets such as Brazil, Mexico and Saudi Arabia also posted the year-on-year increases of 70.4%, 38.8% and 13.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, exports to some other main markets went down, in which, sales to the U.S fell by 24.3%; those to the EU decreased by 21.5%; those to ASEAN downed 10.8%;and those to Colombia dropped by 5.3% over the same period in 2016.
China
In the first three months of this year, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to China gained US$ 69.7 million, up 56.8% from the same period last year. Since February 2017, China has become the biggest pangasius importing market of Vietnam pangasius. Currently, there were nearly 40 Vietnamese enterprises exporting pangasius to China through Cat Lai Port, Bac Phong Sinh border checkpoint; Mong Cai (Quang Ninh) border checkpoint; Chi Ma (Lang Son) border checkpoint; Na Lang and Ta Lung border checkpoint (Cao Bang). In early this year, China continued to a potential importing market of Vietnam pangasius.
The U.S
As of March 2017, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S touched US$61 million, down 24.3% over the same period last year. Currently, there were nearly 15 Vietnam’s pangasius exporters to the U.S. However, there were 2-3 main exporters to this market. After, the export value of pangasius to the U.S continued the rise, but from the beginning of 2017, it was down due to high anti-dumping tax and other technical barriers from the importing market.
The EU
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU in QI/2017 reached US$49.9 million, down 21.5% over the same period last year. In particular, exports to 4 single largest markets including the Netherlands, the UK, Spain and Germany reported the year-on-year decreases of 2.8%; 15%; 42.8% and 27.2%, respectively. According to the ITC statistics, in 2016, imports of some whitefish species into the EU such as frozen cod fillets (HS code 030471); frozen Alaska (HS code 030475) and frozen cod (HS code 030363) picked up the largest share. Up to now, whitefish products are still very competitive with Vietnamese frozen pangasius fillets (HS code 030462). It is forecasted that from QIII/2017, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU will increase when the price of raw materials decrease due to a sufficient supply to meet market demand.
Brazil
In QI/2017, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil achieved US$35.5 million, up 70% compared to QI / 2016. Thus, Brazil stayed as the third largest single importer of Vietnam’s pangasius (behind China and the U.S) in earlier this year. According to ITC statistics, Vietnam and Argentina were currently the two largest suppliers of whitefish to Brazil, followed by China and Portugal. In earlier this year, pangasius exports to Brazil showed positive signs with good prices. In the coming time, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil expected to continue the rise.
In the first three months of this year, top five largest pangasius exporting companies in Vietnam included Vinh Hoan Corp., Bien Dong Seafood, Navico, Hung Vuong Corp. and IDI Corp, with the value of US$140.4 million, accounting for 37.8% of total exports, equal to the same period last year. Vietnam’s pangasius exports forecasted to continue to increasing by 5% compared to 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.
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(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.
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(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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