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) Vietnamese seafood exports recorded impressive growth, generating nearly 6 billion USD in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 13% compared with the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
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