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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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