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) On the afternoon of March 19, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, Le Van Su, chaired a meeting to address bottlenecks and propose solutions to expand the super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model using low water exchange and high biosecurity standards (RAS-IMTA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On March 10, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1377/QD-UBND approving the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026–2030 period. The decision takes effect from the date of signing and replaces previous plans for the 2021–2030 period that had been issued prior to the administrative merger in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
(vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Chile imported more than USD 156 million worth of tuna, up 8.1% compared to the previous year and the highest level in the past five years. As the supply structure in this market is rapidly shifting, Vietnamese tuna is facing both opportunities to expand market share and increasing competitive pressure from Thailand, Colombia, and China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vinh Long Province is stepping up efforts to develop brackish water shrimp farming in a sustainable direction, identifying it as a key sector in its agricultural structure. In 2026, the province aims to reach around 71,300 hectares of shrimp farming, with an output of over 314,000 tons.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ha Tinh Province is strengthening control over shrimp seed quality to minimize risks for the 2026 spring–summer farming season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 119 million, down slightly 5% year-on-year. However, thanks to strong performance in January, cumulative exports in the first two months of the year still reached USD 331 million, up 28% compared to the same period in 2025. Export activity slowed somewhat in February due to seasonal factors, particularly the Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted production and shipments at many seafood processing enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang is accelerating the development of high-tech shrimp farming toward intensive production, disease control, and improved efficiency. Many shrimp farms have invested in automated environmental monitoring systems, continuously tracking indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, enabling farmers to promptly adjust pond conditions and reduce disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 is considered a turning point for Vietnam’s shrimp seed industry as the sector faces the need for strong transformation in technology, production management, and gradual self-sufficiency in broodstock supply. These factors are seen as key to improving seed quality and strengthening the competitiveness of the shrimp industry amid increasingly demanding market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the latest statistics for January 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to major market blocs recorded encouraging growth compared with the same period last year, indicating that consumption demand is gradually recovering.
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