According to data from Vietnam Customs, the export value of value-added pangasius to the US exceeded $2 million in November 2024, marking a staggering 4,270% year-on-year increase (equivalent to 42 times higher) compared to November 2023. During the first 11 months of 2024, exports of these products to the US reached over $12 million, a 2,182% surge (equivalent to 21 times higher) compared to the same period last year.
This achievement represents the highest export value for value-added pangasius in the past decade since 2015. Previously, 2022 had recorded the highest value of pangasius exports to the US, driven by a surge in demand as the US reopened post-COVID-19, leading to significant import volumes during the first half of the year. However, the rapid surge in imports resulted in supply exceeding demand, leaving excess inventory throughout 2023. The subsequent economic downturn, declining consumer demand, and tightened spending further slowed the clearance of inventory, leading to a substantial drop in pangasius export value to the US in 2023. That year is considered the most challenging for Vietnam's pangasius export sector in a decade.
In the first 11 months of 2024, the US primarily imported value-added pangasius products from Vietnam under HS Code 16041990. These include frozen breaded pangasius fingers (25g size), breaded pangasius fillets, frozen breaded pangasius nuggets, and similar products. Exports under this code accounted for 99.9% of the total value-added pangasius export value to the US during this period, generating $12.4 million.
Five companies dominated exports under HS Code 16041990 to the US in the first 11 months of 2024. Van Duc Tien Giang led with a 74% share, followed by Bien Dong Seafood (13%), NTFS Seafood (12%), Vinh Hoan (2%), and SKYEX (0.0002%).
Other value-added pangasius products exported to the US include those under HS Code 16042099 (e.g., frozen pangasius skewers, crispy fried pangasius skin snacks); HS Code 16042030 (e.g., frozen boiled pangasius balls, frozen pangasius fish cakes); and HS Code 16042091 (e.g., frozen breaded and fried pangasius portions).
In addition to frozen fillets, which remain the primary export, value-added pangasius products should receive more robust promotion and strategic positioning in international markets. This approach is vital for strengthening the global presence of Vietnamese pangasius.
The outlook for 2025 appears promising, with expectations that the export value of value-added pangasius will build on the momentum of 2024 and achieve further growth.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
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