The U.S.
In the first 5 months of 2016, pangasius exports to the U.S. reached US$152 million, picking up 23.4% of total export value, and up 12.9% year on year. Despite a fall in the number of enterprises engaged in exporting pangasius to the U.S., the shipments to this market hit the highest value out of the top 10 leading pangasius importers of Vietnam.
According to the ITC, in Jan-Apr 2016, Vietnam stayed as the 2nd largest supplier of whitefish products to the U.S (after China). In Jan-Feb 2016, the import value of frozen tilapia fillets (HS code 030461) accounted for the largest proportion of 35-38.4% of the total whitefish imports into this market. However, in Mar-Apr 2016, the U.S increased imports of frozen pangasius fillets (HS code 030462) from Vietnam with the share of 27%, exceeding the import value of frozen tilapia fillets from China into the U.S.
In Jan-May 2016, high anti-dumping duty and catfish inspection program put pressure on Vietnam’s pangasius export companies to the U.S. Up to now, only two companies, Vinh Hoan Corp and Bien Dong Seafood, are entitled to the tax rate of 0% and their pangasius shipments to the U.S remain stable.
The EU
In the first 5 months of this year, Vietnam pangasius exports to the EU were on the downward trend. Through May 2016, the exports to this market totaled US$109.3 million, down 8.1% year on year. Out of 4 largest importers in the bloc, the shipments to the UK (-3.4%) and the Netherlands (-20.8%) reported the fall, while the exports to Spain (+1.9%) and Germany (+1.8%) showed the growth. Out of top largest markets, EU is the most demanding market for Vietnam pangasius exporters.
China - Hong Kong and Brazil
Vietnam pangasius exports to these markets posted the good growth. In Jan-May 2016, the exports to China - Hong Kong reached US$94.9 million, up 72.7%; and those to Brazil hit US$32.8 million, up 118.3% from the same period last year.
According to the ITC, in 2015, Vietnam pangasius exports to China remained stable but only accounting for less than 5% of the total import value of whitefish into China. The country mainly imports Alaska Pollock, Haddock, and Cod, taking up 90% of the total whitefish imports.
In 2015, according to the ITC, imports of frozen fish products into Brazil decreased by 23% over the previous year. In particular, chilled/fresh/frozen fish fillets (HS code 0304) dropped by 25% in value and 22% in volume; fresh and whole fish (HS code 0302) downed 13% in value and up 4% in volume; smoked fish and fishmeal (HS code 0305) fell by 27% in value and 30% in volume compared with 2014. Chilled/fresh/frozen fish fillets (HS code 0304) made up the largest proportion in the total imports of fresh/chilled/frozen fish into Brazil, followed by the groups of HS code 0302 and HS code 0305.
Out of whitefish imports into the country, in 2015, imports of most whitefish items posted a slump. In which, import value of frozen pangasius and catfish fillets fell by 37%; frozen Hake fillets downed 18.6%, frozen Alaska Pollock fillets dropped by 4.2%, and frozen Cod decreased by 32.9% compared to 2014.
As of Apr 2016, imports of pangasius fillets accounted for the highest share out of whitefish products with 39%, while the other whitefish products such as Hake, Cod, Alaska Pollock occupied less than 35% of the total imports of whitefish into Brazil.
Written by Ta Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
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