Steady growth in pangasius exports to Canada for the first three quarters

The value of Vietnamese pangasius exports to Canada showed a positive recovery in the first three quarters of 2024, marked by continuous growth. March 2024 recorded the highest export value, surpassing 4 million USD, a 21% increase over March 2023. However, after several months of growth, pangasius imports from Vietnam to Canada dipped in both April and August 2024, with export values falling to 3 million USD—down 17% compared to the same months in 2023. Despite these drops, exports rebounded in the following months.

Canada primarily imports frozen pangasius fillets from Vietnam. In the third quarter of 2024, exports of frozen pangasius fillets to Canada totaled 9 million USD, a 6% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. In total, Vietnam exported over 26 million USD worth of frozen pangasius fillets to Canada in the first nine months of 2024, a 10% increase year-over-year. This growth was largely driven by strong exports in the first quarter of the year, which accounted for 86% of the total pangasius export value to this market.

In addition, exports of other dried and frozen fish products (such as whole, sliced, and frozen fish) saw a significant 56% increase in the first nine months of 2024, with a total export value of 4 million USD. This growth was especially driven by a strong surge in the third quarter. In July 2024, the export value of these products reached its highest point at 770 thousand USD, reflecting a 71% year-over-year increase.

The export of value-added pangasius products to Canada has been more volatile. In February 2024, exports of value-added pangasius products were almost non-existent. However, in July 2024, this category saw a dramatic spike, with exports reaching over 158 thousand USD—a 425% increase compared to July 2023. By September 2024, exports of value-added pangasius products had fallen to just 7,000 USD, a 75% decrease from the same month in 2023.

According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), Canada’s largest import of frozen pangasius fillets (HS code 030462) in the first eight months of 2024 was nearly 7,000 tons, reflecting a 49% year-over-year increase and accounting for 19% of Canada's total white fish imports. Vietnam remains the largest supplier of frozen pangasius fillets to Canada. Other key white fish imports to Canada in the same period included frozen cod (HS code 030363) at over 5,000 tons (down 38%), frozen haddock fillets (HS code 030472) at over 3,600 tons (up 13%), and frozen Alaska pollock fillets (HS code 030475) at over 3,500 tons (up 120%).

Pangasius exports to Canada have been bolstered by trade agreements under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with the Vietnam-Canada economic relationship serving as one of the most effective models for CPTPP implementation. However, Canadian consumers are becoming increasingly selective about the seafood they purchase, demanding high standards of quality, food safety, hygiene, labeling, and environmental sustainability.

To deepen their presence in the Canadian market, Vietnamese enterprises must stay well-informed of both federal and provincial regulations. Adapting to Canadian market trends, including the preferences of niche consumer segments, will be crucial. Canadian consumers are often open to trying new products, particularly if they are competitively priced.