Vietnam’s pangasius exports in February 2025: Key markets regain momentum

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.