According to the trend, only a few markets kept positive growth in pangasius imports such as Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, while most of the major markets decreased, including Russia.
In February 2023, pangasius exports to the Russian market reached nearly 2 million USD, down 40% over the same period last year (equivalent to 3 million USD) and accounted for 1% of the total value of Vietnamese pangasius to other markets. .
In the first two months of 2023, Vietnam's pangasius to the Russian market reached nearly $2.5 million, down 53% compared to the same period in 2022 and accounted for 1.4% of the total value of Vietnamese pangasius exports to markets. The proportion of the Russian market in the first 2 months of this year increased higher than the same period last year (only 1%). Although pangasius decreased, the context of inflation reduced demand and decreased import prices, sales by the end of February are also a positive sign.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine since the end of February 2022 has greatly affected world trade, including Vietnam, causing traffic congestion and difficult trade payments. Although the proportion of Vietnam's seafood exports to these two countries is not large, the escalating tension also creates chain consequences, affecting the seafood exports of the countries. Therefore, in the period of March and April, 2022, Vietnam's seafood exports to Russia stagnated, decreasing by 86% and 46% respectively.
When the war between Russia and Ukraine occurred, Russia was embargoed, Vietnamese goods exported to Russia were also delayed for 3 months, some orders had to be returned, businesses had to process goods. exist or seek to export to other markets. Currently 1 year after the war between Russia and Ukraine, Vietnamese pangasius to the Russian market is showing positive signs of recovery. From the end of 2022, Russia has accelerated the import of Vietnamese pangasius.
In the context of inflation, the Russian market is also not affected as much as Western countries. In addition, Russia is promoting seafood trade with other countries, including China, India and Bangladesh. Vietnamese seafood more or less also has to compete with other countries, especially China, on the Russian market. The Russian economy will be more dependent on China because of the common border. However, Vietnam is still the number one source of pangasius in Russia.
It is forecasted that in the following months, the volume of pangasius to Russia may increase slightly. However, the price of pangasius to this market will decrease compared to 2022, following the general trend. Moreover, Russia's food price inflation is cooling down month by month, which has a negative impact on the prices of the country's seafood products.
According to Russian statistics, from March 13 to March 19, the prices of frozen fish products were stable, sometimes decreasing. In the Far East, pollock prices fell 2.1% (95₽/kg), Pacific herring 3.2% (60₽/kg). Prices of Pacific cod and halibut remained at the level of last week - 220₽ and 70₽/kg. In the Northwest, Atlantic herring decreased by 3.1% (93₽/kg). The price of mackerel remains unchanged: 167₽/kg.
In the central regions, the price of capelin fell 3.4% to 85₽/kg. Atlantic herring fell 1.7% to 113₽/kg. Pollock prices remained at the level of last week - 118₽/kg.
Thu Hang
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With continued policy support, technological innovation and close coordination among authorities, businesses and farmers, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is expected to make a strong and sustainable breakthrough during the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading exporter of the fish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Asian markets showed varying trends across regions and countries. The Middle East recorded strong growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the largest Asian market for Vietnamese tilapia. ASEAN markets also expanded significantly, driven primarily by Malaysia. Meanwhile, Japan maintained solid growth, while exports to South Korea declined compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp and pangasius continued to lead growth, helping seafood exports reach $4.67 billion in the first five months of the year; however, differentiation among product groups and increasingly stringent requirements from importing markets are posing many challenges for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Every day, the seafood processing industry in Ca Mau generates large quantities of shrimp heads and shells during processing operations. In the past, these by-products were largely treated as waste, increasing production costs and posing potential environmental risks. However, thanks to advanced processing technologies, materials once considered waste are now being transformed into high-value products, creating a circular economy model within the seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam Clean Seafood Corporation has invested in a 280-hectare super-intensive shrimp farming zone in Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, generating export value of approximately VND 3 billion per hectare per year—around 50 times higher than traditional agricultural production.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports reached USD 1.02 billion in May 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first five months of 2026 totaled USD 4.67 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In a rapidly changing global seafood market, timely insights and reliable data are more critical than ever. The Report on Vietnam Seafood Exports in Q1/2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Vietnam’s seafood production, trade performance, and export trends, helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new growth opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While many major markets continue to experience slow growth, Russia has emerged as a brighter destination for Vietnamese tuna exports in early 2026. Export turnover to this market increased by nearly 55% in the first four months of the year, indicating a clear improvement in demand. Nevertheless, Russia remains a market that should be viewed with both optimism and caution.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2026. In the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 720 million, up 17% compared to the same period last year. This result reflects improving demand across many markets, as well as the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to maintain production, secure orders, and adapt to changing market conditions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 49 million, up 151% compared to the same period in 2025. This impressive growth reflects positive momentum in the tilapia sector, with Brazil emerging as a key driver of growth, while frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the industry's leading export product.
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