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.
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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