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) The year 2026 marks a period of strong growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry, but it is also a time when international export competition is becoming increasingly intense. Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 99 million in 2025, up 140% compared to the previous year. In the first four months of 2026 alone, export value reached USD 49 million, a 151% increase year-on-year. As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to rise, Vietnam is emerging as a noteworthy competitor to traditional tilapia powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Egypt.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
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