Citing Japanese seafood newspaper Minato Shimbun, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said seafood group Kyokuyo held a trade fair in Osaka on September 11, showcasing around 500 seafood and processed food products to some 760 customers and business partners.
Among the products presented, Kyokuyo highlighted pangasius as a relatively affordable seafood option with a stable supply. These advantages have become increasingly important in Japan as prices of many traditional seafood products rise and supplies of wild-caught species become less predictable.
Kyokuyo had also highlighted pangasius at the Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo in Tokyo in mid-August, offering tastings and product demonstrations to potential commercial customers.
Vietnamese pangasius is one of the country’s major seafood exports.
Kyokuyo already distributes Vietnamese pangasius through Japan’s professional food supply network. One product is skinless, boneless frozen pangasius fillet processed in Vietnam and suitable for Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes.
Le Hang, deputy secretary-general of VASEP, said this was a sign that Vietnamese pangasius was gradually meeting the requirements of one of the world’s most demanding markets for food and seafood.
Rather than being viewed simply as a low-cost whitefish, pangasius has an opportunity to position itself as a competitively priced, consistent and versatile ingredient that can be supplied year-round.
A further milestone came in late 2025, when Vietnamese pangasius was added to the menu of Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s largest conveyor-belt sushi chains, with more than 550 restaurants.
The move marked the first time Vietnamese pangasius had officially appeared on the chain’s menu, reflecting the fish’s growing acceptance in a market known for stringent standards on quality, presentation and food safety.
Vietnam Customs data show that pangasius exports to Japan reached $36.31 million in the first eight months of 2026, up 20.8% from a year earlier. August exports alone reached $5.47 million, up 23.7%.
“The scale remains small compared with Vietnam’s major pangasius markets, but growth of more than 20% shows that demand in Japan is improving noticeably,” Hang said.
She said growing interest from major importers and distributors could create further opportunities for pangasius in retail, food services and convenient processed products.
Japan, however, maintains strict requirements for quality, consistency, food safety, product specifications and supply-chain reliability, Hang noted.
Future growth will therefore depend not only on price competitiveness but also on Vietnamese producers’ ability to develop products suited to Japanese tastes and distribution channels.
The growing presence of pangasius in the product portfolios and menus of major Japanese seafood and food-service companies is opening further opportunities for Vietnam, particularly in processed, convenient and value-added products.
On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will host Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.” The summit will discuss market scenarios and strategic options to help Vietnam’s seafood industry unlock new growth opportunities, increase export value, and strengthen its competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the EU reached more than USD 4 million, up 2% year on year. The EU accounted for 4% of total tilapia export value, ranking behind major markets such as Brazil, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the CPTPP bloc.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2026, in Hanoi, Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), was awarded the Top 30 Outstanding Cultural and Reputable Enterprises of 2026 certificate by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). This group represents the most distinguished companies among the 100 enterprises honored at the “Cultural and Reputable Enterprises 2026” announcement ceremony.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU reached approximately $148 million, up 12% compared to the same period in 2025. In September 2026 alone, export turnover to this market hit $18 million, a 27% year-on-year increase. Despite diverging demand across member states, the EU remains a market with growth potential for Vietnamese pangasius, particularly as supplies of several traditional whitefish species face mounting pressure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the US are showing a clear recovery after a difficult start to the year. However, the rebound is taking place against a backdrop of declining US tuna imports and a shifting supply structure, posing new challenges for Vietnamese businesses.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to Japan reached US$440.9 million, up 6.4% year on year. This result is noteworthy as Japan’s total shrimp imports continued to decline slightly and competition among suppliers intensified. Demand for convenience foods and processed products continues to create opportunities for Vietnamese exporters, but capitalizing on these opportunities requires stronger competitiveness and the ability to meet increasingly specific market requirements.
(vasep.com.vn) After slowing in the first months of the year, Vietnam’s tuna exports have shown a clear improvement since June 2026. However, behind September’s double-digit growth lies a notable reality: export value is recovering, but pressures from markets, trade policies, and competition among suppliers remain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached US$1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. In September alone, exports totaled US$210 million, an increase of 16%. China, the United States, and Brazil were the three largest markets, accounting for 49% of total export value. While China and Brazil maintained their growth momentum, exports to the US remained below the level recorded in the same period last year.
(vasep.com.vn) On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will organize the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Business leader Do Ngoc Tai, General Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, was honored by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) with the title “Outstanding Vietnamese Entrepreneur – Thanh Giong Cup 2026” at a ceremony celebrating Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day (October 13). The event took place on the evening of October 11, 2026, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.
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