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) 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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