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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the global food market is facing increasing volatility in logistics costs, energy prices, and supply chains. In the seafood sector, alongside ocean-caught products such as tuna, the surimi-based product group—including fish cakes, crab sticks, fish balls, and other imitation seafood products—has also been affected to some extent by these developments.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
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