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
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(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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