The Zero-Covid policy with prolonged restrictions has weakened the Chinese seafood market. Demand for seafood and seafood prices in the market both decreased. Statistics and data collected at 68 wholesale markets across the country show that in September 2022, seafood sales decreased by 19.6% compared to September 2021, the average seafood price was at 3. 41 USD/kg, down 12.1% over the same period last year. The price of freshwater seafood fell 6.3% to an average of $2.64/kg, while the volume of freshwater seafood sold fell by 16.5%, showing the impact of China's COVID-19 lockdown.
In spite of some limitations due to the Zero-Covid policy, China is still a very potential destination for many Vietnamese pangasius exporters. By the end of November, pangasius exports to China reached 636 million USD, up 81% over the same period while exports to Hong Kong reached nearly 38 million USD, up 46%. Particularly, frozen pangasius fillets with HS code 0304 exported to China reached US$472 million, accounting for 74% of pangasius export value to this market.
According to statistics of China Customs, as of October 2022, imports of frozen fish fillets with HS code 0304 from Vietnam into China reached nearly 500 million USD. Of which, frozen pangasius fillets accounted for nearly 89% with $444 million.
The trend of the Chinese market in the coming time is unpredictable and depends significantly on whether China adjusts its Zero Covid policy or not as well as how it is adjusted. However, many seafood traders in the world, including Vietnamese enterprises, are hoping for the stability of this market as this is still a large market with high consumption demand.
Among Vietnamese pangasius import markets, China attracts the largest number of export enterprises. Up to now, there are more than 160 Vietnamese pangasius exporters in China. Top 5 pangasius exporters to China include Dai Thanh Co., Ltd., TG Fishery JSC, I.D.I Corporation, Cadovimex II and Go Dang JSC. In general, there's not much difference in sales between these companies, accounting for 6-7% of pangasius export value to China.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
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