Up to now, Spain is still the leading country in Europe in terms of production, consumption, import, and export of frozen seafood. This is also the gateway and "big fish market" connecting many markets in this area.
In the first quarter of 2022, after more than 3 years of dismal pangasius exports to this market, the export value increased by 67.5%, reaching nearly $4.9 million. Up to now, Spain is the 4th largest export market in the EU for Vietnamese pangasius enterprises.
In the first three months of this year, there were about 20 Vietnamese pangasius enterprises exporting to Spain, the largest of which were C.P Vietnam Joint Stock Company (in Ben Tre), NAVICO, and HAPPY CORP.
Last month, Spain proposed sanctions against Russia after the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine such as not importing white fish from Russia, and banning Russian fishing boats from docking in Spanish ports and ports of other member countries of EU.
Spain's move to "make it difficult for whitefish products" from Russia also poses many difficulties to their own businesses because many Russian and Spanish workers working on fishing boats in Russian waters have to unload goods outside of Spain and the EU.
The EU's whitefish fishing industry is also facing other difficulties such as fuel oil prices increasing by more than 7%, plus an increase of more than 100% over the last two years due to the pandemic; lack of cargo containers due to ships having to transport outside the war region.
Spain is the fishing center of Europe and is a large "market" in this area, so its trading in seafood products such as squid, octopus, shrimp, crab... (belonging to HS 0307 and 0306) is very dynamic. This country is also a major exporter and importer of seafood products in this region.
Currently, the whitefish importers of Spain and the EU are facing difficulties due to inflation and rising prices of seafood and aquafeed. Cod products and Russian Alaska pollock are in short supply. Therefore, at the upcoming Global Seafood Expo 2022 in Barcelona, Vietnamese pangasius enterprises look forward to having more orders from these importers. The EU in general and Spain, in particular, are considering solutions to solve the problem of food security, so it is possible to find more customers and sign new contracts.
Compiled by Minh Trang
Image source: Seafood Expo Global
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
(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 figure reflects an emerging export sector that is taking advantage of market gaps created by global trade disruptions, while larger producers are adjusting their strategies.
On the afternoon of May 28, the People’s Committee of Ho Thi Ky Commune signed a memorandum of understanding with Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Co., Ltd. (a member of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation) on cooperation to develop a black tiger shrimp farming area meeting international certification standards during the 2026–2030 period in the commune.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
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