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
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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