Vietnam's pangasius export turnover to markets in December 2023 reached more than 158 million USD, an increase of 5% of proportion over the same period in 2022. This is also the second consecutive month that pangasius export value recorded an increase in 2023.
Regarding export markets, in 2023, China & HK had continued to be the largest import markets for pangasius from Vietnam. In 2023, pangasius exports to China & HK had reached nearly 573 million USD, down 20% compared to the same period in 2022. This market had increased imports of pangasius products since September 2023 and continuously recorded positive growth in the 2 consecutive months. However, in December 2023, pangasius export turnover to China decreased slightly by 2%, causing total exports to China & HK to decrease by 0.4% compared to the same period in 2022. According to China custom statistics, the first 11 months of the year In 2023, China imported about 154 thousand tons of pangasius, down 35% over the same period. Many agents in this country are starting to stockpile and import more pangasius products to meet demand before the 2024 Lunar New Year.
In December 2023, pangasius exports to the US for the first time recorded positive growth of 21% of proportion compared to the same period in 2022, after 11 consecutive months of decline. Export turnover to the US in the last month of 2023 reached nearly 20 million USD, down 15% compared to the previous month and only higher than January, February, and July 2023 - months that recorded a deep decline from 43% - 81%.
In 2023, the CPTPP market had imported nearly 249 million USD of pangasius from Vietnam, down 24% of proportion compared to 2022. CPTPP is also a market that had seen a deep decline in pangasius imports in 2023, but there are signs of growth returned in the last quarter of 2023. In December 2023, the value of pangasius exports to this market reached its highest level since the beginning of the year, a slight increase of 7% over the same period. After 5 years, the CPTPP agreement has opened more opportunities for Vietnamese pangasius to come closer to every meal of consumers in this market block.
In 2023, pangasius exports to four main markets had decreased significantly. Vietnamese seafood exports, including pangasius, had faced many difficulties such as economic recession, consumers limiting spending, large inventories and global inflation. However, with the flexible management of the Government and the efforts of the entire industry, Vietnamese pangasius products continue to conquer markets in 146 countries and territories around the world. In addition to the main product of pangasius fillets, by-products (dried pangasius maw, patties, breaded pangasius...) are popular in the US, China, Malaysia, and Singapore markets.
In 2024, the pangasius industry sets main goals as following: farming area reaches 5,700 hectares, commercial pangasius output reaches about 1.7 million tons, and export turnover is expected to reach 2 billion USD.
To achieve this goal, the entire industry needs to focus more on building strong brands and marketing campaigns to enhance the presence and reputation of Vietnamese pangasius in the international market; Promote pangasius products through international exhibitions and fairs, build a network of domestic and foreign partners and customers.
(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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Aquaculture, capture fisheries, and seed production activities in Lam Dong in the early months of 2026 continued to show positive signs, with both output and farming area slightly increasing compared to the same period, contributing to maintaining overall industry stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, tuna exports in the first month of 2026 reached over USD 75 million, up 13% compared to the same period in 2025. Notably, exports increased in most key markets such as Japan, the EU, and Russia, while exports to the United States fell by 6%—a contrasting development amid ongoing adjustments in U.S. import tariff policies and new compliance requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which took effect at the beginning of the year.
(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.
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