The two largest markets, China and the US, both reduced imports of Vietnampangasius. China is down 22% and the US is down 64%. After a deep decline in January 2023, Vietnam's pangasius exports to China increased by 26% in February 2023, partly showing a positive signal from the Chinese market.
Exports to the EU also had a more positive signal thanks to the German market doubling imports of Vietnam pangasius. Meanwhile, the US import market of Vietnam pangasius has not shown any signs of recovery. Many other markets also suffered a deep drop of 12-61%.
In the first quarter of 2023, Vietnam pangasius exports to the EU market reached 45 million USD, down 4% compared to the same period last year (46.7 million USD). Most markets in the EU increased imports of Vietnam pangasius, of which many markets recorded double-digit growth, such as Romania (36%), Sweden (53%), Denmark (34%). Bulgaria (49%). Some smaller markets in Europe recorded positive 3-digit growth such as: Germany (100%), Lithuania (429%), Finland (436%).
In addition to the EU, Vietnam's pangasius export turnover to some other markets in the first quarter of 2023 also recorded positive growth such as: to Singapore reaching $8.7 million, up 35% over the same period last year, to the UK reached 16.2 million USD, up 34%. Although the country has the highest inflation rate among major economies, the UK is still among the few markets that have recorded positive growth in Vietnam's pangasius imports.
In the first quarter of 2023, most pangasius enterprises witnessed negative growth compared to the same period last year. Top 5 largest pangasius exporters including Vinh Hoan, NAVICO, I.D.I Corp, Van Duc Tien Giang, GODACO, accounting for 34.9% of export turnover, all experienced a decrease in sales by 7-43%.
The seafood industry in general and Vietnam's pangasius industry in particular face challenges from the end of 2022 due to prolonged inflation and high inventories of retailers. In addition to market difficulties, pangasius processing and exporting enterprises also face difficulties in terms of raw materials, credit and production. Input costs from seed to feed and other costs are constantly increasing, farmers abandon ponds, leading to the risk of shortage of raw materials. Both farmers and export processing enterprises fall into a lack of capital to maintain production and business.
The actual context of the pangasius industry is in dire need of the cooperation and support of the Government and state agencies as well as the consensus of farmers and businesses.
Pangasius exports in the coming time are mainly expected to China, some European countries such as the UK, Germany, Portugal and the Middle East markets. Pangasius exports are expected to recover in the third quarter of 2023, thanks to trade and promotion programs.
Thu Hang
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After two consecutive years of decline, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports rebounded in 2025. Export turnover of this product group exceeded USD 344 million, up 15% year-on-year compared with 2024 and 13% higher than 2023, although still below the peak level recorded in 2022.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) By the end of 2025, Vietnam’s seafood industry had left a strong mark with export turnover reaching nearly $11.3 billion, up 12.4% year-on-year. This robust performance reflects not only a rebound in global consumption demand but also the agile adaptation of domestic firms in navigating increasingly stringent trade barriers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2025 review and 2026 outlook conference held by the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance on the afternoon of January 7, Vietnam’s seafood sector has set a total production target of over 10 million tons in 2026, representing a 0.6% increase year-on-year. Of this total, capture fisheries are projected at around 3.75 million tons (down 2.1%), while aquaculture output is expected to reach 6.25 million tonnes (up 2.2%) compared with 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sao Ta Food JSC (Fimex, Ticker: FMC) has announced its 2025 business results, reporting revenue of over $300 million (approximately 7.8 trillion VND), representing a 19.8% increase year-on-year; projected profit is expected to reach approximately 420 billion VND.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s fisheries sector concluded 2025 with landmark achievements: export turnover reached a record high, despite heightened volatility in global trade and increasingly stringent barriers from major markets, most notably the United States. Amid a mix of opportunities and challenges, the fisheries sector also witnessed important policy shifts. Together, these developments form a multifaceted picture of an industry proactively adapting and restructuring toward a trajectory of sustainable development.
(seafoos.vasep.com.vn) According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long, the province’s shrimp farming area reached 69,800 hectares in 2025, including 7,500 hectares under high-tech farming models, 18,820 tons of black tiger shrimp and 293,000 tons of whiteleg shrimp.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Building on a robust growth momentum in 2025, Nghe An province has set a strategic goal to reach a total fisheries output of 270,000 tons by 2026, reinforcing its position as a key hub for aquaculture and exploitation.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho City statistics indicate that in 2025, following the merger of three former administrative entities - Can Tho, Hau Giang and Soc Trang - fisheries output in 2025 increased by 6.23% compared with 2024 with aquaculture production nearly 9.1 times higher than capture fisheries.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ca Mau province has achieved significant, comprehensive and substantive progress in combating IUU fishing in 2025, successfully fulfilling all tasks directed by the central government and strengthening fisheries governance. These efforts have established a solid foundation for the nationwide effort to lift the EC’s "yellow card" warning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau has exceeded its 2025 production targets, reaching nearly 595,000 tons of shrimp. This milestone reinforces the province’s position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp producer and a bright spot in the country’s seafood sector.
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