In 2015, the EU ranked second among the largest importers of Vietnamese pangasius, trailing only the US, with export turnover reaching USD 285 million. A decade later, in 2024, the market has fallen to fourth place, surpassed by China & Hong Kong, the US, and CPTPP member countries. Total pangasius export turnover to the EU in 2024 reached USD 161 million, a 5% decrease compared to 2023 and a significant 44% decrease compared to 2015.
This decline is evident across most product segments. In the value-added pangasius segment, EU imports from Vietnam exceeded USD 8 million in 2015. Ten years later, in 2024, this market imported just over USD 3.5 million worth of value-added pangasius products from Vietnam, a slight 3% increase compared to 2023. Of the past ten years, 2023 witnessed the most "bleak" year for value-added pangasius exports to the EU, while 2017 recorded the highest level.
Exports of other frozen pangasius products (whole, fillets, etc.) to the EU in 2024 increased by 2% compared to 2023. Over the past ten years, since 2015, exports of these products to the EU in 2022 are considered to have reached the highest value, with nearly USD 10 million, almost doubling compared to 2021, followed by 2024. Although the increase is not high, this is still a fairly positive result that the pangasius export industry received in 2024.
So, what outcome awaits pangasius exports to the EU in 2025? The 2025 economy is likened to a convalescent recovering from a bout of COVID-related illness. Its resilience remains weak and highly susceptible to headwinds - potential risks that may arise in 2025. The global economy continues to face numerous challenges. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, political gridlock in Germany and France, and growing concerns about the Chinese economy further cloud the picture. Escalating conflicts could disrupt energy markets, impact confidence and growth, hinder trade growth, and trigger sudden adjustments in financial markets.
The EU market, home to many important customers of Vietnamese pangasius, is unlikely to escape these impacts. However, it is still too early to draw conclusions or make accurate forecasts about consumer demand in this market bloc, as it depends on many factors, including the aforementioned objective reasons and subjective impacts from prices.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of Vietfish 2026, the International Seafood Hosted Buyer Program has been designed as a dedicated B2B matchmaking initiative for selected international buyers. The program provides opportunities to meet directly with Vietnamese seafood companies, gain market insights, and experience Vietnam's seafood supply chain firsthand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) A Story from Cà Mau’s Coast It’s 5 AM in Cà Mau. Minh, a third-generation fisherman, is ready to set sail. But unlike his father and grandfather, his boat no longer runs on an old diesel engine that burns fuel and clouds the sky with smoke. Instead, it’s powered by a hybrid engine that saves 40% fuel—funded by an ESG program from a major seafood exporter.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
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