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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(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.
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