By the end of March 2020, the export value to China - Hong Kong reached US$ 63.2 million, accounting for 18.9% of the total pangasius export value, down 36.4% over the same period in 2019. However, this is an optimistic export compared to the first days of the year - the time when the outbreak of Covid-19 broke out strongly. Particularly in March 2020, the export value of pangasius to this market reached US$ 34.7 million, up more than 109% compared to January 2020. China - Hong Kong returned to be the largest pangasius importer of Vietnamese enterprises in the first quarter of 2020. It is forecasted that in the second quarter of 2020, pangasius export to this market will recover strongly and increase from 30-40% compared to the same period in 2019.
If exports had not been affected by the disruption in trade transactions, pangasius export value to the US would have been much better than the continuous decrease in 2019. In March 2020 alone, the export value of pangasius to the US reached US$ 23 million, up 26.4% over the same period in 2019. By the end of March 2020, the total export value to this market reached US$61.7 million, accounting for 18.5%, down 13.2% compared to the same period in 2019. Although pangasius export value in the first 3 months of 2020 still fell compared to the same period in 2019, exports in the first months of the year showed a positive reaction from this market. Hopefully in the second quarter, Vietnam's pangasius export value to the US market will surpass a positive growth over the same period in 2019.
As forecasted, from February to March 2020, when Covid-19 disturb the transport, distribution, as well as business activities of EU countries, pangasius export to this market is increasingly affected. clear. By the end of March 2020, pangasius export to the EU reached nearly 36.5 million USD, down 36.5% compared to the same period in 2019. In particular, the export value to the 4 largest single markets in the block (the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Spain) all dropped. The reduction was respectively 31.4%; 30%; 45.3% and 31.4% compared to the same period in 2019. At least until the epidemic situation will be controlled and the export and import activities returned to normal, pangasius exports to this market can stabilize.
Pangasius exports to other major importers in the first 3 months of 2020 such as ASEAN, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Australia still dropped sharply. In particular, pangasius export value to ASEAN declined by 29%; exports to Brazil fell by19%, Mexico slumped by 57.8%, Colombia slashed 12% compared to the same period in 2019.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
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