In the first 2 months of 2016, among leading markets of Vietnam pangasius, exports to Brazil posted the strongest growth of 642.7% with the value of US$14.5 million. Brazil became the 5th largest market of Vietnam pangasius, after the U.S., the EU, China - Hong Kong and ASEAN. In the period, Vietnam exports to some main markets showed a year-on-year decline: exports to Netherlands down 11.6%; the UK with the slump of 11.8%; Mexico (-48.6%); Colombia (-17.6%); and Saudi Arabia (-3.5%).
Out of total exports, products of fresh/live/frozen/dried pangasius (HS code 03 and 0304) accounted for 99.3%; and procesed pangasius (HS code 16) took up 0.7%.
The U.S.
In Jan-Feb 2016, Vietnam pangasius exports to the U.S. has not been affected by the catfish inspections program of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the market hit US$56 million, accounting for 23.6% of total exports, up 14.7% from the same period of 2015.
The EU
As of Feb 2016, pangasius exports of Vietnam to the EU reached US$40.2 million, up 0.4% compared to the same time of 2015. Among top 4 largest markets of Vietnam pangasius in the EU block, exports to the Netherlands and the U.K showed a decrease of 11.6% and 11.8%, respectively over the same period of 2015; exports to Spain up 34%; Germany increased by 14.3%. In QII and QIII of 2016, pangasius exports to the EU are predicted to continue the growth of less than 10% over the same period of 2015. Currently, Vietnam pangasius is competing with some white fish spieces in the EU market. However, the price of Vietnam pangasius is more competitive than those of these species.
China - Hong Kong
Through Feb 2016, pangasius exports of Vietnam to the market touched US$25.4 million, up 32.6% over the same period of 2015. In QII/2016, thanks to stable demand, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to China - Hong Kong are expected to increase by 20%-35% over the same period in 2015.
Brazil
Vietnam pangasius exports to Brazil rose by 484% in Jan 2016 and 2,185% in Feb 2016. After the slump in 2015, Vietnam pangasius exports to the market witnessed the recovery in the early 2016. Vietnam’s pangasius sales to the market in 2016 expected to see the positive surge thanks to stability in the exchange rate.
ASEAN
Until Feb 2016, Vietnam sold US$21.5 million of pangasius to ASEAN, up 9.8% compared to the same period of 2015. In which, exports to Thailand and Singapore posted the rise of 30.6% and 14%, respectively. However, pangasius exports to the Philippines posted the decrease. In 2016, ASEAN expected to remain to be an attractive market for Vietnam pangasius with stable growth.
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.
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