In the first nine months of 2024, the export value of frozen pangasius fillets to the EU reached over USD 120 million, a 1% decline compared to the same period in 2023, accounting for 94% of total exports. Exports of dried and other frozen products (such as swim bladders, fish steaks, and whole fish) to the EU reached over USD 5 million, a 1% year-on-year increase. Exports of value-added pangasius products totaled USD 2.6 million, a 6% decrease compared to 2023.
The average export price of Vietnamese pangasius to the EU remained below USD 3/kg in the first nine months of this year, showing negative growth in all months compared to 2023. In September 2024, the average export price dropped by 13% year-on-year to USD 2.3/kg. May 2024 recorded the highest price at USD 2.55/kg, a 5% decrease from the same month last year.
Export volumes have shown a declining trend throughout the year. February 2024 recorded the lowest export volume to the EU market, with just over 3,000 tons, a 34% year-on-year decrease. From March 2024 onward, pangasius export volumes to the EU continued to decrease monthly, reaching only about 6,000 tons in September 2024, despite a 3% increase.
The Netherlands remains the largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius in the EU. August 2024 saw the highest monthly export value to the Netherlands in Q3 2024, exceeding USD 4.4 million, a 27% increase year-on-year. In Q3 2024, pangasius exports to the Netherlands totaled nearly USD 13 million, a 20% year-on-year increase. By the end of September 2024, exports to the Netherlands had reached USD 36 million, a 2% increase from the same period in 2023.
Globally, the Netherlands is recognized as one of the top countries for health-conscious consumers. It ranks first worldwide, surpassing France and Switzerland, for producing a diverse, abundant, nutritious, and affordable food supply. Dutch consumers prioritize healthy eating and often choose Vietnamese pangasius as a staple in their daily meals. As one of the largest importers of Vietnamese pangasius and consistently the leading EU consumer of this product, the Netherlands underscores the quality, taste, and nutritional value of Vietnamese pangasius.
Beyond the Netherlands, several EU markets have also recorded positive growth in Vietnamese pangasius imports in the first nine months of 2024. These include Lithuania (up 232%), Ireland (up 227%), Italy (up 163%), Poland (up 138%), Spain (up 133%), Slovenia and Belgium (up 123%), and Hungary (up 116%). However, some countries reported declines, including Finland (down 89%), Latvia (down 66%), Slovakia (down 39%), and Denmark (down 28%).
Pangasius exports to the EU have remained inconsistent month-to-month, with unpredictable fluctuations. However, exports are expected to rise toward the end of the year as demand increases for stockpiling goods in preparation for the festive season. Enterprises should seize this opportunity to boost exports, actively promote their products, and strengthen their presence in the EU market.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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