China – Hongkong
In the first quarter of this year, pangasius exports to China - Hong Kong remained positive although the pace was slower than last year. Export value reached US$376.8 million, up 30.8% over the same period in 2017. This is still the largest export market of Vietnamese pangasius exporters, accounting for 23.6% of total export value of pangasius. In the first quarter of this year, pangasius exports to this market were better than the last two quarters of the year with monthly average export value from US$41-55 million. From now until the end of the year, pangasius exports to China - Hong Kong is forecasted to grow steadily but not increase more than 10% over the same period last year.
The US
This year, pangasius exports to the US is more optimistic than last year, as since the beginning of quarter III/2018, exports of pangasius to this market increased sharply. In September, the pangasius exports to the US reached nearly US$48 million, indicating an upward percentage of 152.5% over the same period of 2017. Before that, in August, the pangasius exports to this market reached the record level which exceeded that of China – Hongkong, having reached US$65.9 million, an increase of 256 percent over the same period last year. By the end of September, the pangasius exports to the US accumulated to US$369.1 million, an increase of 42.9% over the same period of 2017. It is forecasted that in the fourth quarter of 2018, exports to the US would continue to rise thanks to stable demand, good export price.
EU
Despite not being extremely stable and having yet reached the pace of previous years, in 2018, pangasius exports to the EU had positive signs after years of continuously experiencing below negative growth. Compared with the previous year - 2017, pangasius exports to the EU is considered to have various unexpected changes. By the end of September, the value of pangasius exports to the market reached 176.4 million USD, increasing by 14.6% over the same period last year. In particular, exports to the Netherlands increased by 31.6%; to Germany by 0.4%; to Italy by 65.9%; however there was a fall of 6.8% for the UK market over the same period in 2017. This growth rate of over 14% has been a positive signal for pangasius exports to EU for at least 3 recent years. It is forecasted that, from now until the end 2018, this growth would continue.
ASEAN
This is the fourth largest export market of Vietnamese pangasius in the first three quarters of this year. Export value reached US$145.5 million by the end of September 2015, rising by 44% over the same period in 2017. It is worth noting that in the third quarter of the third quarter 2018, pangasius exports to two markets is Thailand and the Philippines increased sharply from the previous year. In September, pangasius exports to Thailand increased by 116.9%; to the Phillipines by 64.5% and to Singapore by 8.2%. By the end of September 2018, the value of pangasius exports to all three markets had grown at double -digit rates over the same period last year.
(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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