In Q1/2025, frozen pangasius fillets under HS code 0304 remained Vietnam’s primary export product to the U.S. This segment generated USD 63 million in revenue, a slight decline of 1% from the same period in 2024, and accounted for 91% of the total pangasius export value to the U.S. Other Vietnamese pangasius products favored by American consumers include frozen fillets, frozen steak or chunk cuts, breaded frozen pangasius, puffed dried pangasius, and fried pangasius skin.
In the first three months of 2025, exports of dried pangasius and other frozen pangasius products (whole fish, chunk cuts, swim bladders, etc.) to the U.S. saw impressive growth of 75%, reaching over USD 1.4 million and accounting for 2% of the total export value.
Most notably, value-added (VA) pangasius exports from Vietnam to the U.S. recorded a dramatic surge in Q1/2025 — an eightfold increase (up 725%) over Q1/2024, reaching USD 5 million and making up 7% of total pangasius exports. American consumers are showing growing interest in value-added pangasius products from Vietnam, beyond the traditional frozen fillets. These compelling figures are providing strong momentum for Vietnamese exporters.
Vietnam’s value-added pangasius continues to gain ground in the U.S.
The average export price of pangasius to the U.S. in the first three months of 2025 consistently rose compared to the same period last year. January recorded the highest price, at USD 3.87/kg — up 47% from January 2024 — and also the highest price to the U.S. since early 2023.
According to the latest data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), in the first two months of 2025, the U.S. imported over USD 386 million worth of whitefish from global markets, up 18% year-on-year. Most of these imports were frozen fillet products under HS code 0304. The top item was frozen tilapia fillets (HS 030461), with import value reaching USD 103 million, up 49% and accounting for 27% of total whitefish imports. This was followed by frozen cod fillets (HS 030471) at USD 96 million (down 5%), representing 25%, and frozen catfish fillets (HS 030462) at USD 56 million, up 16% and accounting for 14%.
Vietnamese pangasius is also facing increasing pressure from new tariff policies imposed by President Trump. For Vietnam — a highly open economy that remains heavily dependent on international trade — any U.S. tariff shifts may trigger a domino effect, negatively impacting exports, including those of seafood and pangasius. It is hoped that pangasius export results in April 2025 will remain stable amid ongoing global economic volatility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth, reaching USD 15 million, up 109% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, in the first three months of 2026, export value reached USD 38 million, an increase of 174% year-on-year. This result highlights the sector’s robust expansion and reflects rapid growth across multiple markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In March 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached USD 182 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, exports in the first three months of 2026 totaled USD 514 million, an increase of 17% year-on-year, indicating that the growth momentum is being maintained despite signs of slowdown in some markets during March.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During peak heat periods, farmers raising pangasius, tilapia, and other freshwater fish in Dong Thap are implementing various technical measures to reduce risks and maintain stable production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Japan continues to be one of Vietnam’s most important and stable shrimp markets. In recent years, shrimp exports to this market have fluctuated in line with Japan’s broader economic and consumption cycles, yet Japan remains a major, high-value destination with stringent standards.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain increased by 13% compared to 2024. This growth trend has continued into the first two months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs statistics, export turnover to this market reached nearly USD 3 million in January–February 2026, up 101% year-on-year and significantly higher than the same period in 2024. This development indicates that Spain is once again becoming a notable destination for Vietnamese tuna amid strong demand for tuna raw materials and products in Europe.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The 2026 brackish water shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has started earlier than usual, mainly driven by positive market signals, as shrimp prices in 2025 remained high and supply was limited. Many enterprises and farms in Cần Thơ, Cà Mau, and Vĩnh Long have proactively stocked early to seize opportunities. By early 2026, stocking areas in many localities had reached a high proportion of planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States recorded remarkable growth in 2025, opening up major opportunities while also presenting considerable challenges. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia fillets, with export turnover reaching USD 40 million—an increase of up to 499% compared to 2024. This impressive growth reflects strong demand in the U.S. market, as supply from competing countries such as China has been constrained by tariffs and rising production costs.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius remains a strategic export commodity in Vietnam’s seafood sector. Entering 2026, the industry faces a strong need to transition from volume-based growth to a value-driven development model, with a focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Following damage caused by Storm No. 13 in late 2025, brackish water shrimp farming in Gia Lai is being rapidly restored. In key farming areas such as Tuy Phước and Tuy Phước Đông, farmers are focusing on rehabilitating ponds, repairing infrastructure, and treating the environment in preparation for the 2026 crop.
(seafood.vasep.com) Facing the decline in fishery resources, Vietnam is accelerating livelihood transitions for fishermen to reduce fishing pressure and move toward sustainable development. Marine fish stocks have dropped significantly from 4.82 million tons in 2000–2005 to 3.95 million tons in 2016–2020.
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