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
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s scallop exports are entering a phase of impressive growth, as the global market undergoes significant restructuring. In 2025, scallop export value reached nearly USD 66 million, up 49% from USD 44 million in 2024. This upward momentum has continued and accelerated into early 2026, with exports totaling USD 18.1 million in the first two months alone—an increase of 166% year-on-year. This represents an exceptionally high growth rate, reflecting the rapid expansion of a relatively new product segment within Vietnam’s mollusk export portfolio.
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