(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export turnover reached nearly USD 2.2 billion, up 8% year-on-year. This result indicates that pangasius exports maintained their growth momentum despite significant volatility in the global market environment. In December 2025, pangasius export value reached USD 200 million, up 10% compared to December 2024. This solid performance in the final month of the year reflects increased import demand for consumption and inventory replenishment in key markets.
Pangasius exports to major markets in 2025
In December 2025, pangasius exports to China reached USD 60 million, surging 25% year-on-year and accounting for nearly 30% of total monthly pangasius exports. For the whole of 2025, pangasius exports to China totaled nearly USD 560 million, up 2% compared to 2024.
Exports to the United States in December amounted to USD 17 million, down 37% year-on-year, indicating that demand in this market has yet to recover. For full-year 2025, pangasius exports to the US reached USD 325 million, down nearly 6% compared to 2024. The combined impact of a 20% retaliatory tariff and high inventory levels has continued to weigh on pangasius export performance in this market.
In December 2025, pangasius exports to the EU reached USD 16 million, up 2% year-on-year. Although the increase was modest, it is still considered a positive signal at the end of 2025. For the full year, exports to the EU totaled USD 175 million, down slightly 1% compared to 2024.
In 2025, pangasius exports to Brazil reached USD 176 million, posting a strong 36% increase year-on-year. In December alone, exports to this market reached USD 18 million, up 65% compared to December 2024, making Brazil one of the fastest-growing pangasius markets of the year.
In the final month of 2025, exports to CPTPP member countries rose 30% year-on-year. Within this bloc, pangasius exports to the UK reached USD 6 million (+12%), Mexico reached USD 7 million (+3%), and Japan reached USD 4 million (+33%). For the full year 2025, pangasius exports to CPTPP markets increased 34%, reaching USD 367 million, with key contributors including Mexico (USD 77 million), the UK (USD 60 million), and Colombia (USD 56 million).
In 2025, pangasius exports to ASEAN reached USD 203 million, up 20% compared to 2024. In December alone, exports to this region reached USD 16 million, up 8% year-on-year. Meanwhile, pangasius exports to the Middle East totaled USD 176 million in 2025, up 19% year-on-year, with December exports also reaching USD 16 million, an 8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Product structure
In 2025, export value of pangasius products under HS 0304 (frozen fillets and portions) reached nearly USD 1.8 billion, up 9% compared to 2024, continuing to account for the largest share of total pangasius export turnover. Exports of fresh/frozen/dried whole pangasius (HS 03, excluding HS 0304) reached USD 377 million, down 0.7% year-on-year. Meanwhile, exports of processed and value-added pangasius products (HS 16) reached nearly USD 51 million, up 8% compared to 2024, although their share remains relatively modest.
Outlook for Vietnam’s pangasius industry in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports are expected to continue facing considerable pressure, particularly from the approximately 20% retaliatory tariff imposed by the United States, which reduces the price competitiveness of Vietnamese pangasius in this market. The decline in export turnover recorded in December 2025 suggests that this trend is unlikely to improve in the near term. As a result, accelerating market diversification toward CPTPP countries, ASEAN, and the Middle East is considered a necessary strategy. Strong growth in Brazil is a positive signal, although the market currently mainly imports frozen pangasius fillets.
In addition, while processed and value-added pangasius products have made progress, their development remains below potential. Going forward, enterprises need to step up investment in deep processing, diversify product offerings, and maintain and expand sustainability certifications. These efforts will help enhance product value, meet increasingly stringent international market standards, and lay a solid foundation for stable growth in 2026.