So far, ASEAN were not only a large pangasius importing market of Vietnam but also a supplier of raw materials for Vietnam enterprises such as shrimp, cephalopod and some marine finfish. In addition, some exporters in ASEAN are also competitors of Vietnam in major markets.
Currently, Vietnam mainly exported frozen pangasius fillets and frozen pangasius steak to ASEAN. In particular, Thailand claimed as the largest importer, accounting for 35.8% of Vietnam exports to the region and taking up 3.1% of total pangasius exports of Vietnam.
Vietnam is the largest supplier of frozen finfish fillets (HS code 0304) to Thailand, in which, frozen pangasius and catfish fillet (HS code 030462) picked up the biggest share of 18-58% in total import value of frozen finfish. However, until now, frozen pangasius fillets are also subject to competition from some other whitefish products (including Alaska pollock) and other species such as salmon, tuna.
Joining the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Vietnam will face the fierce competition when it is not only an integration of goods but also a competition in services, investments, and movements of skilled workers in ASEAN.
In QIV/2016, Vietnam pangasius exports to ASEAN expected to increased by 10% over the same period in 2015.
|
Seafood products imported into Thailand, Jan-May 2016 |
|||||||
|
HS code |
Products |
Volume (MT) |
Value (Thousand US$) |
||||
|
Jan-May 2015 |
Jan-May 2016 |
Variation (%) |
Jan-May 2015 |
Jan-May 2016 |
Variation (%) |
||
|
|
Total |
607,842 |
663,566 |
9.2 |
995,749 |
1,074,360 |
7.9 |
|
0303 |
Frozen whole fish |
449,155 |
435,291 |
-3.1 |
594,807 |
611,503 |
2.8 |
|
0307 |
Mollusks |
76,114 |
74,935 |
-1.5 |
138,137 |
149,112 |
7.9 |
|
0304 |
Fresh/chilled/frozen fish fillets, steak |
29,022 |
29,684 |
2.3 |
82,686 |
81,288 |
-1.7 |
|
0306 |
Frozen crustaceans |
11,468 |
12,357 |
7.7 |
66,381 |
67,724 |
2.0 |
|
1604 |
Processed fish |
15,624 |
20,333 |
30.1 |
54,058 |
67,226 |
24.4 |
|
0302 |
Fresh whole fish |
20,157 |
83,132 |
312.4 |
38,612 |
70,474 |
82.5 |
|
1605 |
Processed crustaceans and mollusks |
4,391 |
5,863 |
33.5 |
13,632 |
19,358 |
42.0 |
|
0305 |
Grilled/smoked fish |
1,414 |
1,301 |
-8.0 |
4,800 |
5,641 |
17.5 |
|
0301 |
Live fish |
341 |
338 |
-1.0 |
1,322 |
1,430 |
8.2 |
|
0308 |
Other marine fish |
157 |
332 |
111.4 |
1,314 |
604 |
-54.0 |
Written by Ta Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) – On March 19, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with the European Commission (EC) inspection delegation on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, led by Mr. Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).
(vasep.com.vn) Australia is emerging as one of the most stable and promising growth markets for Vietnamese shrimp. Amid global trade disruptions driven by geopolitical tensions—particularly conflicts in the Middle East—strengthening and expanding into stable markets like Australia has become increasingly important for Vietnam’s shrimp industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports reached over USD 111 million, up 23% compared to the same period in 2025. This result indicates a positive start for the sector, reflecting early signs of demand recovery in multiple markets from the beginning of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s fisheries sector maintained positive growth momentum, with shrimp output exceeding 132 thousand tons. This result contributed to a strong increase in seafood export turnover, despite ongoing volatility in the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording sharp increases compared to the same period last year. In February alone, export value reached USD 8.4 million, up 148% year-on-year. Cumulatively, in the first two months of 2026, total tilapia export turnover hit USD 23 million, soaring 242% compared to the same period in 2025.
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