By the end of April 2023, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to most of the markets in the EU experienced a decline, the lowest decrease was 13%, the highest was 30% compared to the same period in 2022. Top 3 main markets in the block that reduce imports of Vietnamese pangasius were: the Netherlands down 22%, Belgium down 13%, Spain down 30%. Although exports to the German market were more positive, it still recorded a positive growth of 78% in the first 4 months of 2023.
The EU used to be Vietnam's largest pangasius import market with sales peaking at USD 511 million in 2010, accounting for 36% of Vietnam's pangasius exports. However, in the following years, pangasius exports to this market decreased sharply primarily attributable to media campaigns tarnishing the reputation of pangasius within certain European countries.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU had a breakthrough in 2022 thanks to a sharp increase in demand after being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for a long time (Cre: Huu Duc-BD)
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU had a breakthrough in 2022 thanks to a sharp increase in demand after being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for a long time. In particular, the incentives from the EVFTA, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a series of sanctions by other countries against Russia's economy and trade have increased the EU's demand for white fish imports from Vietnam.
Pangasius exports to the EU in the first 4 months of 2023 decreased compared to the same period in 2022 but still a positive result compared to the same period in previous years. This is also a remarkable number in the effort to gradually bring Vietnamese pangasius back to the EU market, after decades of being “lagged behind”.
However, the existence of varying market regulations within the EU poses a challenge for Vietnamese seafood exporters, including pangasius. It is crucial for businesses to diligently study and understand these regulations to effectively utilize tariff preferences and adhere to rules of origin when exporting pangasius to the EU market.
Compiled by Thuy Linh
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s agreement with the United States on a framework for reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade—reached during the 2025 ASEAN Summit in Malaysia—has generated strong optimism for Vietnamese exports, including tuna. Numerous positive points in the joint statement have raised high expectations for Vietnamese export goods, but turning these expectations into tangible benefits remains a long and challenging journey.
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