In 2022, inflation and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have helped pangasius, the moderately priced white fish, increase export sales. Most markets have increased by 40-200% of Vietnam's pangasius imports.
The two markets that dominate Vietnam's pangasius export trend are China accounting for 30%, the US accounting for 23%. After a dramatic increase in the first half of the year, high inventories and congestion at import ports caused US demand to decrease.
According to statistics of the US Department of Agriculture, in the first 9 months of 2022, the US imported 104.5 thousand tons of frozen pangasius fillets, worth US$ 445.2 million, up 24% in volume and 91% in value compared to the same period last year.
The average import price of frozen pangasius fillets to the US market in the first 9 months of 2022 reached $4.26/kg, up 53% compared to the average import price of $2.77/kg in the same period in 2021.
While imports of other white fishes such as cod, hake, pollock either decreased or increased only slightly, imports of pangasius and tilapia increased sharply and took the leading position. This shows the farmed fish is gradually replacing marine fish, as the war and the embargo make the market short of supply from Russia.
Therefore, Vietnam is the second largest supplier of white fish to the US market, after China. While China mainly supplies tilapia and still maintains the role of an expert in processing white fish such as cod and pollock for the US market, Vietnam still holds the prominent position in pangasius products in the US.
Vietnam pangasius exports by the end of October 2022 reached 2.2 billion USD
Meanwhile, imports into the Chinese market continued to recover strongly as the domestic seafood production decreased and the zero Covid policy caused China’s shortage in food and seafood. It is estimated that by the end of October, the total export of Vietnamese pangasius to the Chinese market reached 647 million USD, up 110% over the same period last year.
China mainly imports 2 product lines of frozen pangasius fillets/cuts and fresh/frozen whole pangasius, accounting for 68% and 32% respectively. The average export price of frozen pangasius fillets to the Chinese market in the first 9 months reached $2.45/kg. The export price increased from 2.2 USD at the beginning of the year to a peak of 2.73 USD/kg in September, 64% higher than the price at the same time last year.
In addition, Vietnam also sharply increased exports to CPTPP markets and some Asian markets, taking full advantage of tariffs and geographical factors.
By the end of September 2022, Vietnam has more than 400 enterprises participating in exporting pangasius. The top 5 largest enterprises include Vinh Hoan Corp, Bien Dong Seafood, Navico, I.D.I Corp, VDTG FOOD accounting for 37% of export turnover.
Most pangasius enterprises have increased sales compared to the same period last year, mainly thanks to higher export prices. With the results achieved until October, pangasius exports in 2022 are expected to reach over $2.4 billion, up 49% compared to 2021.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports in February 2026 reached approximately USD 707 million, up 8% compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, exports in the first two months of 2026 totaled USD 1.7 billion, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year. The results show that the sector’s recovery momentum has remained relatively solid following strong growth in January, although the pace slowed noticeably in February for several key products and major markets. Within the overall picture, shrimp continues to be the largest pillar, pangasius rebounds strongly, while tuna exports and the U.S. and Korean markets are sending signals that warrant closer monitoring. In March, seafood exports are expected to gain additional momentum from markets other than the U.S., potentially supporting stronger growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, fishing activities in Quang Tri province recorded many positive signals, with output reaching over 15,941 tons. This result not only demonstrates fishermen’s efforts to stay offshore but also reflects the effectiveness of management and support measures implemented by local authorities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, IUU prevention models focused on communication and mobilizing fishermen to comply with fisheries laws and avoid encroaching on foreign waters—related to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—have been implemented in coastal localities of Lam Dong province and have delivered initial positive results.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The sharp rise in raw pangasius prices to record levels is sending positive signals for the industry, but experts warn of potential supply–demand imbalances if production is not tightly controlled.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the country’s total canned tuna export value in 2025 reached over USD 275 million, down 8% compared to 2024. Vietnamese canned tuna products were present in approximately 80 markets worldwide. However, the 2025 picture shows clear divergence: the U.S. maintained stability, the EU declined sharply, while several Middle East–North Africa (MENA) markets accelerated.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s crab exports reached nearly USD 86 million, up almost 6% compared to 2024. A notable feature of 2025 was the strong market concentration in the United States, which accounted for more than 81% of Vietnam’s total crab export value, up 10% from the previous year. In contrast, exports to several Asian markets declined significantly, resulting in only modest overall growth for the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded impressive growth, with total export turnover reaching over USD 99 million, highlighting the increasingly important role of this product in the country’s seafood export structure. Of this total, tilapia fillets and other fish meat products accounted for USD 61 million, representing 61% of total export value and reaffirming their position as the key product category.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp seed quality is considered the “first link” and a decisive factor affecting the efficiency of the entire commercial shrimp production chain. High-quality seed directly influences survival rates, growth performance, and disease resistance, thereby determining production costs, productivity, and farmers’ profitability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of its agricultural restructuring strategy toward sustainability, Quang Tri Province is gradually promoting environmentally friendly aquaculture models. Among these, organic-oriented golden pompano farming is considered a promising direction, aligned with the goals of enhancing production value and building sustainable rural areas.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
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