China and Hong Kong continued to be Vietnam’s largest pangasius importers. In February 2025, pangasius exports to this market reached USD 36 million, an increase of 56% compared to the same period last year. However, total exports to China & Hong Kong in the first two months of the year amounted to USD 67 million, reflecting an 11% decline year-on-year. This drop was primarily due to a significant decrease in January, as Vietnam observed an extended Lunar New Year holiday.
Countries benefiting from the CPTPP agreement emerged as Vietnam’s second-largest pangasius-consuming market, surpassing the U.S. In the first two months of 2025, pangasius exports to CPTPP markets reached USD 53 million, an increase of 42% year-on-year. Notably, in February 2025 alone, export value surged to USD 29 million, representing a remarkable 128% increase compared to February 2024.
Despite dropping to third place among Vietnam’s top pangasius export markets, shipments to the U.S. in February 2025 still reached USD 22 million, up 37% from February 2024. Cumulative exports to the U.S. for the first two months of the year totaled USD 39 million, reflecting a 16% increase year-on-year.
The U.S. remains a key market for Vietnam’s pangasius export industry. However, since the beginning of 2025, with Donald Trump’s official return to the White House and the swift implementation of “America First” policies, trade relations with Vietnam, including the pangasius sector, have been affected. Future developments remain uncertain, particularly regarding potential new tariffs and their impact on Vietnam’s pangasius industry. Meanwhile, the rising competitiveness of tilapia, especially from China, is becoming an increasingly pressing issue.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Brazil maintained a robust upward trajectory. In February 2025, export value reached USD 15 million, an impressive 159% increase compared to the same period last year. Cumulative exports to Brazil for the first two months of 2025 totaled USD 28 million, up 42% year-on-year.
Pangasius exports to the EU continued their positive growth trend, with February 2025 export value nearing USD 13 million, a 61% increase compared to February 2024. Cumulative exports to the EU for the first two months of the year reached USD 26 million, reflecting a 24% increase year-on-year. The Netherlands remained the largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius within the bloc, posting a 24% growth rate in the first two months of the year.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports in 2025 are expected to continue their growth trajectory, with farmers and fishermen serving as the driving force behind the industry’s aquaculture, processing, production, and export activities. However, new challenges are anticipated, including market dynamics, increased competition, and geopolitical factors. Despite these challenges, Vietnamese pangasius, with its delicious taste, high nutritional value, rich omega-3 content, and affordability, is well-positioned to sustain its success and win over consumers worldwide.
(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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