In 2016, Vietnam’s pangasius was destined to 137 markets around the world, including the US (with the largest share of 23%), China (17%) and the EU (slipped to the 3rd rank with the share of 16%).
In the last 2 months of QIII/2016, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU reached US$20-21 million per month, while those to China amounted to US$30-31 million per month, almost equal to sales to the US. In QIV/2016, shipments to China outstripped the US. China sharply raised imports of Vietnam’s pangasius, which significantly influenced on raw pangasius market in the Mekong Delta and led to the local shortage for production and exports in late 2016.
Currently, Vietnam has more than 100 pangasius producers and exporters, including 20 large enterprises which take up about 80% of the whole industry and hold 70-80% of total material production. In 2017, Vietnam’s pangasius exports forecasted to value at over US$1.7 billion, slightly increasing by 4% year on year. In particular, the US is the destination for 2-3 big enterprises, while other enterprises will focus more on exports to China, the EU, ASEAN and boost those to Russia.
The US
Through Nov 2016, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the US hit US$354.2 million, up 22.2% over the same period last year and accounted for 22.9% of total pangasius exports. In recent years, enterprises had faced challenges in exports to this importing market due to high anti-dumping duty and the catfish inspection program. Now, only 2-3 large enterprises remained their exports to the market.
With a number of strict regulations, USDA's catfish inspection program will be a technical barrier for Vietnam’s pangasius enterprises in the coming time. Although this program hasn’t had strong impacts on pangaius export turnover to the US, it influcened on exporters’ sentiment.
EU
As of Nov 2016, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to EU achieved US$238.8 million, down 9.9% year on year. Due to the continuous declines in the last 3 years, the EU has slipped to the 3rd rank (behind China) in top 3 largest importers of Vietnam’s pangasius.
China – Hongkong
As of Nov 2016, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to China - Hong Kong reached US$270.6 million, remarkably rising by 84.4% compared to same period last year. This market ovetook the EU to rank the 2nd out of top leading buyer of Vietnam’s pangasius in 2016. With this strong growth as now, China - Hong Kong expected to become the largest importer of Vietnam’s pangasius in the next year.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports in 2016 forecasted to total US$1.66 billion, up 7% compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2017, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to major importing markets such as the US, China, ASEAN expected to continue the rise. However, exports to the EU predicted to decrease by 3-5% over the same period in 2016.
In 2016, Vietnam’s pangasius enterprises had to face difficulties due to a shortage in raw materials and fluctuations in material prices.
As reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in 2016, pangasius output in the Mekong Delta totaled 1.19 million MT, with the farming area of over 5,500 hectares. In 2017, the area for pangasius farming expected to increase slightly to 5,600 hectares with the yield of 1.2 million MT.
Written by Ta Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn