Vietnamese pangasius: Overcoming trade challenges, exports reach $1.4 billion after 8 months

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.