By the end of April 2023, exports to the two largest markets of Vietnamese pangasius, China and the US, also fell deeply. Pangasius exports to China & Hong Kong only reached $183 million, down 39% over the same period last year. The US market also reduced imports of Vietnamese pangasius because of high inventory, reaching $86 million, down 64% compared to the same period in 2022.
Pangasius exports to the EU market reached 60 million USD, down 8% compared to the same period last year. Exports to many markets in the bloc decreased from 13% to 31%, except for Germany, which increased by 78%. Many key markets have reduced imports of Vietnamese pangasius such as the Netherlands by 22%, Belgium by 13%, Spain by 30%.
Beside the EU, Vietnam's pangasius export turnover to some other main markets in the first 4 months of 2023 also experienced a negative double-digit growth compared to the same period last year such as: to Mexico down 45%, to Canada down 51% , to Japan down 15%, to Brazil down 33%, to Thailand down 49%.
Vietnam pangasius exports in the first 4 months of 2023 recorded negative growth in many markets
In addition to the German market, Singapore and the UK are also two bright spots for Vietnamese pangasius exports. Specifically, by the end of April 2023, pangasius exports to the UK reached 22 million USD, up 13%, to Singapore reached 12 million USD, up 20%. Although among the high inflation rate countries, the UK still increased imports of Vietnamese pangasius with a double-digit growth.
Exports of all pangasius products have negative double-digit growth. In which, exports of frozen pangasius fillets/cuts (HS code 0304) reached $471 million in the first 4 months of 2023, down 45%. Export of fresh/frozen/dried pangasius (HS code 03) reached USD 89 million, down 9%, export of processed pangasius (HS code 16) reached USD 9 million, down 23%.
The consequences of prolonged inflation and high inventories are one of the difficulties for the seafood industry, including pangasius. Vietnamese seafood farmers and businesses are facing challenges from a declining market, high raw material costs and other input costs, a sharp drop in profits, a lack of capital to turn over production and business.
In the current context, the pangasius industry really needs the cooperation and support of the Government and state agencies as well as the companion and consensus of farmers and businesses.
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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