Market overview: A blend of bright spots and challenges
China and Hong Kong remain the largest importers of Vietnamese pangasius. By the end of July 2025, exports to this market reached $302 million, down 4% year-on-year, accounting for nearly 25% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value. In July alone, exports to this market dropped 3% to $53 million, reflecting a slowdown in demand, particularly for whole pangasius and frozen fillets segments.
The CPTPP bloc has emerged as a prominent bright spot for Vietnamese pangasius imports. Exports to CPTPP markets in the first seven months of this year reached $208 million in the first seven months of 2025, a 34% increase year-over-year. This growth was driven by markets such as Canada, Malaysia and several Latin American countries, benefiting from tariff advantages and stable consumer demand.
Exports to the U.S. hit $206 million in the first seven months, up 8% compared to previous year. However, July 2025 saw a slight decline (0.3%) to $31 million compared to July 2024. New tariff policies expected from August 1, poses a “big question mark” for the market outlook in the remaining months of the year.
Brazil continues to show strong potential, with exports reaching $106 million in the first seven months, a surge of 64% year-on-year. However, Brazil faces potential indirect impacts from the U.S.’s planned 50% tariff on goods from certain countries, which could affect whitefish, including pangasius.
EU imports of Vietnamese pangasius reached $104 million by July 2025, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. Strong growth in Spain, Belgium, Italy and France offset declines in Germany and the Netherlands.
Processed products: A highlight in export structure
Frozen pangasius fillets remain Vietnam’s key pangasius export, generating $976 million in the first seven months, increase 11% year-on-year. Notably, exports of deeply processed pangasius (HS16) reached $30 million, rise 41% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth reflects a shift toward higher-value products that meet stringent market requirements and reduce risks from tariffs and raw material price fluctuations.
Outlook for the remaining months: Opportunities and challenges
In the second half of 2025, Vietnamese pangasius exports will be simultaneously affected by multiple factors. The potential U.S. tariff hike on whitefish exporters could reshape global supply chains, offering both opportunities to expand market share and risks from price competition.
Additionally, China’s demand requires close monitoring due to its sensitivity to price fluctuations and inventory levels. Meanwhile, the EU and CPTPP are expected to remain reliable “pillars”, supported by FTAs and consistent demand.
In the latter half of 2025, Vietnam’s seafood exports are expected to face headwinds if the U.S enforces a new 20% retaliatory tariff. Pangasius, in particular, will bear significant pressure on costs and pricing, especially as demand in China slows, compelling exporters to diversify into ASEAN, South America and the Middle East. Clearly, the U.S tariff serves as a stark reminder of the risks of overreliance on a single market. Yet, with proactive strategies and effective trade negotiations, Vietnamese pangasius still has opportunities to sustain its growth momentum and achieve its 2025 export targets.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
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Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
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Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn