According to data from Vietnam Customs, in January 2025, pangasius exports to the UK reached USD 4 million, reflecting a 30% decrease compared to the same period last year. This contraction in pangasius export turnover to the UK aligns with the broader trend of reduced pangasius imports across various markets, attributable to the extended Lunar New Year holiday in Vietnam during the first month of the year. Concurrently, the initial month of the year traditionally follows a period wherein nations expend considerable capital, in the trillions of USD, importing pangasius for stockpiling in anticipation of year-end festivities and seasonal celebrations in 2024.
The UK’s accession to CPTPP implies a reduction or elimination of tariffs, as committed under the CPTPP framework, thereby affording Vietnamese pangasius a price-based competitive advantage relative to non-CPTPP member competitors. Furthermore, CPTPP accession facilitates streamlined market access for pangasius exporting enterprises through the mitigation of trade barriers and the harmonization of standards. Vietnamese enterprises can also capitalize on the distribution networks and commercial partnerships of other CPTPP member countries. Whereas previously, Vietnam needed to meet UK quality standards, potentially distinct from those of other markets, which could entail elevated inspection and quality certification costs, quality standards are now harmonized within CPTPP. This harmonization serves to reduce expenditures and procedural complexities, enabling the leveraging of CPTPP quality certifications for exports to the UK. Technical barriers are also diminished due to regulatory harmonization within CPTPP, potentially facilitating technical support from CPTPP member nations to aid enterprise compliance. Moreover, Vietnamese pangasius exporting enterprises will be comparatively less susceptible to idiosyncratic UK market factors, as market diversification within CPTPP can mitigate risks.
However, the UK’s entry into CPTPP also intensifies competitive pressures between Vietnam and other CPTPP members, such as Canada, Australia, and Japan. Enterprises will necessitate vigilance in meeting elevated quality requirements and diversifying product offerings to satisfy market demands.
As one of the most comprehensive and dynamic free trade agreements globally, CPTPP presents substantial opportunities for economic growth and international collaboration. CPTPP presently comprises 11 member nations, accounting for 12% of global GDP.
Vietnamese merchandise exports to the UK currently possess a competitive advantage compared to exports from markets such as India, Indonesia, and Thailand, which lack FTAs with the UK. Nevertheless, to more effectively capitalize on tariff preferences afforded by this Agreement, enterprises must ensure the readiness and proactivity of raw material sourcing. Concurrently, prioritizing the enhancement of quality and supply capacity is crucial to augment market share within the UK market.
For further information pertaining to the pangasius sector, please consult: PANGASIUS SECTOR REPORT 2015-2024.
(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.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
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