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.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to CPTPP markets reached $264 million in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year-on-year and accounting for 17% of the nation’s total pangasius export turnover. In August alone, export value reached $34 million, inching up 3%.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Golden pompano is being selected as a high-value species for the development of high-tech marine aquaculture in Lam Dong Province. In 2026, the provincial Agricultural Extension Center launched a golden pompano farming model using circular HDPE cages in Lien Huong Commune, opening opportunities to apply technology to marine farming at a scale suited to local coastal conditions.
(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.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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese tilapia is moving into a higher-value segment as brackish-water farmed fish from the Mekong Delta is now being processed for sashimi and exported regularly to Japan.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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