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) Nearly US$1.7 billion is the projected gap in 2029 between the baseline scenario and a scenario in which Vietnam’s seafood exports grow by 10% annually, according to calculations by VASEP to be presented at Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026. This gap raises a key question for the entire industry: Which markets, products and supply chain improvements will generate the additional growth?
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Although Germany’s tuna imports have declined, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the market continue to show positive signs. Notably, export value recovered strongly in Q3/2026, and German import data also show Vietnamese products strengthening their position amid competition among suppliers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Seafood exports are holding double-digit growth, but the opportunities are not spread evenly across product groups and markets. As businesses draw up their plans for 2027, Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS2026) offers a chance to look ahead together: what to sell, where to sell it, and how to prepare for growth in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than two weeks to go, the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) will officially take place in Can Tho. Under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029 – Opportunities and Potential for Double-Digit Export Growth,” the Summit is organized by VASEP at a time when seafood businesses are facing rapid market shifts, changing buyer demand, trade policy changes and growing competitive pressure all at once.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 28, 2026, the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo opened in Qingdao, China. The expo takes place over three days from October 28 to 30, 2026. This is a prestigious specialized seafood exhibition organized annually by Sea Fare Exposition Inc.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the CPTPP bloc reached $7 million, marking a 51% year-on-year increase. The bloc rstands as the fourth-largest market for Vietnamese tilapia, trailing Brazil, the US, and Saudi Arabia.
(vasep.com.vn) VASEP has officially announced the program for Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026), featuring five in-depth sessions covering industry outlooks, trade barriers, buyer demand, the domestic market, and solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs across the seafood value chain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. Although growth has been supported by China and several markets within the CPTPP, momentum is slowing as exports to the United States and the European Union decline. Tariff pressures, international competition, and raw material challenges are creating significant hurdles for exporters in the final months of the year.
(vasep.com.vn) Markets are changing faster, buyer requirements are becoming more demanding, and trade barriers are growing increasingly complex. In this environment, seafood businesses need more than an understanding of current market conditions. They need a longer-term perspective to answer a critical question: Where will growth opportunities come from in 2027–2029, and what should businesses do now to prepare? This is one of the key reasons why VASEP is organizing Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East reached US$113 million, up 7% year on year from the same period in 2025. Growth has become more pronounced in recent months. In August alone, exports to the region totaled US$20 million, an increase of 24%. This indicates that demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the Middle East is gradually recovering after a slowdown in March, although the pace of recovery varies across markets.
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