In terms of product structure, frozen pangasius fillets remained Vietnam’s main export product, generating over USD 1.1 billion in the first eight months of 2025, up 11% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, exports of other frozen and dried pangasius products (HS03, excluding HS0304) reached $246 million, a modest 2% increase year-on-year. Notably, deeply processed pangasius products (HS16), despite holding a small proportion, recorded remarkable growth in August, demonstrating enterprises’ adaptability to market demands for convenience and diversification. By the end of August 2025, exports of value-added pangasius reached $36 million, surging 32% compared to the same period last year.
August 2025 saw significant shifts in key markets. Certain pangasius import markets saw slight declines, particularly China and Hong Kong, which recorded a 4% drop to $55 million, reflecting subtle and cautious changes in global consumer demand. In contrast, markets such as CPTPP members, Brazil and ASEAN maintained robust growth momentum.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached $234 million by the end of August 2025, up 3.7% year-over-year and considered relatively stable. Despite modest growth, the U.S remains one of the most critical markets due to its high value, stringent requirements and global influence. Sustaining growth despite complex tariffs and technical barriers demonstrates that Vietnamese pangasius’ strengthening position in the mid-to-high-end segment. This also serves as a driving force for enterprises to further standardize production and build stronger branding in this market.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the CPTPP bloc reached $242 million in the first 8 months of 2025, marking a robust 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Japan, Canada, and Mexico are key markets within the bloc, with diverse demand ranging from frozen fillets to processed products. The preferential tax benefits from the FTA, combined with shifting consumer preferences toward convenient and safe products, have created significant opportunities. The CPTPP is not only a short-term highlight but also a strategic long-term region for the pangasius sector.
The ASEAN market continues to play an increasingly vital role in Vietnam’s pangasius export landscape. In the first 8 months of 2025, Thailand imported $52 million, up 31% year-on-year, while the Philippines recorded $26 million, also up 31%. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Singapore maintained stable growth. With advantages such as geographical proximity, low logistics costs and similar culinary preferences, ASEAN is becoming a “safe belt” that helps the pangasius industry reduce reliance on distant markets with complex technical barriers.
Pangasius exports to the EU reached $120 million in the first 8 months of 2025, reflecting a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Although growth remains modest, the EU is a valuable market with significant brand influence. Stable demand for high-standard pangasius fillets, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, demonstrates long-term potential. However, to maximize opportunities, the industry needs to place greater emphasis on sustainability certifications, traceability and green consumption trends - increasingly strict requirements in the EU.
The pangasius export results from the first 8 months of 2025 demonstrate a solid recovery, though uneven across markets. While China and Hong Kong have stagnated, the CPTPP, ASEAN and Brazil have emerged as new growth drivers, while the U.S and EU remaining stable pillars. This reflects a clear trend: Vietnamese pangasius is gradually repositioning itself in global trade by diversifying markets, enhancing deep processing and strengthening its brand in high-value segments.
(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
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn