Cumulative growth persists but Mexico’s august demand weakens Over the eight-month period, pangasius exports to Mexico stood at $51 million, a 9% year-on-year increase. However, August turnover reached only $5 million, a sharp 36% decline. The cumulative growth was largely supported by positive results in earlier months. In August, demand in Mexico slowed as inventories remained elevated, prompting importers to take a more cautious approach to replenishing orders. UK growth supported by whitefish demand Pangasius exports to the UK generated $50 million during the eight-month span, up 22% year-on-year, with August contributing $7 million - a 12% gain. Demand in the UK has been bolstered by supply constraints and escalating prices for traditional wild-caught whitefish, notably cod and pollock. This has created additional room for pangasius, a farmed species capable of providing stable supply at competitive prices.
Colombia and Japan extend upward trajectory In the first eight months, pangasius exports to Colombia reached $39 million, climbing 20% year-on-year, though August recorded a contraction of 11% to $6 million. Japan stands out with growth of more than 20%. Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Japan hit $36 million between January and August 2026, up 21%, with August alone generating $5 million - a 24% year-on-year increase. Japanese seafood businesses are showing greater interest in pangasius as prices for many traditional whitefish species remain high and supplies fluctuate. Notably, seafood giant Kyokuyo has consistently prioritized pangasius in its commercial promotions, highlighting its competitive pricing and stable supply. Kyokuyo recently showcased pangasius to commercial customers in Osaka, following targeted promotional activities - including tasting sessions and culinary demonstrations - at the Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo in Tokyo from August 19-21. Promotion by a major domestic corporations has significantly broadened product awareness in Japan. Sampling and product demonstrations also provide opportunities to gauge customer responses and identify suitable product development directions. CPTPP remains a key strategic pillar Eight-month figures reinforce the critical role of the CPTPP bloc in Vietnam’s pangasius export structure. In the final months of the year, Mexico and Colombia’s performance may depend more heavily on consumption rates and inventory clearance. The developments highlight how demand varies across individual markets, influenced by factors ranging from inventory levels and raw material prices to whitefish supply. Exporters must maintain granular surveillance of each specific market rather than relying on broad aggregate trends. With its stable supply base and diverse processing capabilities, pangasius can meet a range of demand, from fillets to further-processed products. Businesses will need to maintain consistent quality and meet individual market requirements.
(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.
(vasep.com.vn) China’s shrimp imports continued to grow strongly in 2026, while Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the market also recorded notable growth. However, behind these positive figures lie two distinct trends: Chinese consumption is growing more slowly than imports, and lobster accounts for a substantial share of Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China, making its product mix significantly different from those of Ecuador and India. Exporters therefore need to assess each segment carefully to understand the opportunities and risks.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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