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 January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 closed with a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s total shrimp export turnover in 2025 reached USD 4.6 billion, up 19% compared to 2024 and the highest level ever recorded.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the 2026–2030 period, Quang Tri province aims to convert 771 fishing vessels currently engaged in activities detrimental to marine resources and the ecological environment to more environmentally friendly fishing practices or shift entirely to other economic sectors.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) 2025 recorded a breakthrough growth in Vietnam’s tilapia exports, in which the U.S market emerging as the primary growth driver. The total export turnover of Vietnamese tilapia to the United States reached $53.15 million during the year, surging 173% year-on-year and accounting for 54% of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value, thereby making the U.S the largest import market for this commodity. Compared to 2024, tilapia exports to the U.S posted robust growth, reflecting the import demand as well as the ability of Vietnamese enterprises to capitalize on market opportunities amidst volatile global competitive dynamics.
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