The Netherlands consumes the most Vietnamese pangasius in the EU

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.