The US has a new president: what impact will it have on Vietnam’s pangasius export?

News 08:55 21/11/2024
(seafood.vasep .com.vn) The return of Donald Trump to the White House for a second term will bring significant impacts on Vietnam, particularly its pangasius export sector. Trump's economic policies, such as raising import tariffs, reducing corporate income taxes, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) back to the US, are expected to directly influence various industries in Vietnam.

From 2019 to 2023, seafood products, including pangasius, was among the top five exports from Vietnam to the US, alongside electronics, textiles, wood products, steel, and plastics. The US has consistently been one of the largest importers of Vietnamese seafood, especially pangasius. Therefore, the election of a new US president, accompanied by new policies, will significantly impact the future strategies of export companies.

Vietnamese seafood products have long been popular in the US market. Vietnam's annual seafood exports reach about $10 billion, with approximately 1.4-1.5 billion USD coming from exports to the US. Notably, Vietnamese pangasius is highly sought after, with the US. being its second-largest importer globally, after China. In 2022 and 2023, pangasius exports from Vietnam reached over 2.4 billion USD and 1.8 billion USD, respectively. Exports to the US during these years amounted to 527 million USD (22% share) and 271 million USD (15% share), respectively. Moreover, recent data from the International Trade Center (ITC) reveals that from February to August 2024, frozen pangasius fillets surpassed frozen tilapia fillets to become the most consumed whitefish product in the US, reflecting a consistent demand for Vietnamese pangasius.

Previously, according to the preliminary results of the 20th administrative review (POR 20), two mandatory respondent companies received an anti-dumping duty rate of $0.00/kg, while six other companies enjoyed for a separate rate of $0.00/kg. These preliminary results are positive for Vietnamese pangasius exporters, with all eight companies under review achieving a zero-duty rate, a decrease from the previous POR 19 rate, which ranged from $0.00/kg to $0.18/kg.

The impact of Trump's policies on Vietnam's pangasius export industry will be twofold. With his “America First” agenda, an increase in import tariffs by 10-20% on all countries, including Vietnam, could reduce the competitiveness of Vietnamese products compared to American domestic goods. On the other hand, if China faces higher tariffs, it could create opportunities for Vietnamese firms to export to the U.S. and gain a larger market share.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, in the first half of October 2024, Vietnam's pangasius exports to the US reached 19 million USD, an 89% increase compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, exports to the U.S. up to October 15, 2024, amounted to 275 million USD, a 27% increase from the same period in 2023.

In the first nine months of this year, frozen fillets under HS code 0304 remained the primary pangasius product imported by the US from Vietnam, with a value of 245 million USD - up 21% year-over-year and accounting for 96% of the total share.

In contrast to the previous quarter, Q3/2024 saw a positive turnaround in the export of dried and other frozen pangasius products (whole fish, cut portions, fish bladders, etc.) to the US, with a value exceeding 1.3 million USD, marking a 76% year-over-year growth. Exports of these products reached over 3.2 million USD in the first nine months of 2024, increasing by 3% year-over-year and accounting for 1% of the total share.

Notably, in the first nine months of this year, value-added pangasius products exported to the US continued to record impressive growth, with nearly 8 million USD in value - an increase of 1,666% compared to the same period last year, accounting for 3% of the total pangasius export value to the US.

donald trump vietnam pangasius export us fdi

TIN MỚI CẬP NHẬT

Vietnamese tilapia to Brazil: growth recovers but challenges remain

 |  13:31 01/10/2026

(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Brazil became the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, with export value reaching US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year and accounting for 49% of Vietnam’s total tilapia exports. In August alone, exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. However, behind this remarkable growth is a market that is imposing increasingly stringent requirements on imported supplies.

Vietnam’s tuna exports return to growth but headwinds remain

 |  08:46 30/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.

Spain's Congalsa acquires Lenger Seafood Vietnam

 |  08:00 30/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.

Ninh Binh determined not to have IUU fishing violations left unresolved

 |  09:02 29/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.

Biotechnology elevates pangasius seed quality

 |  08:52 25/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.

VASEP and ASC update new standards, address practical challenges for seafood businesses

 |  08:51 23/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.

Vietnamese tilapia explores new segments and markets

 |  10:10 21/09/2026

(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.

Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first eight months of 2026: positive growth continues as competition shifts toward efficiency and value

 |  10:35 19/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.

August 2026 seafood exports: Growth slows, momentum continues to pivot to Asia

 |  15:28 17/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.

Vietnamese tuna gains wider access to Russia amid a new phase of cooperation

 |  15:38 15/09/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.

VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM

Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội

Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO

Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu

Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông

Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn

Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh

Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn

VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn

© Copyright 2020 - Mọi hình thức sao chép phải được sự chấp thuận bằng văn bản của VASEP

DANH MỤC