(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export sector is showing resilience in April 2025, with signs of growth despite looming trade tensions with the United States. However, challenges remain on the horizon, particularly in light of the steep retaliatory tariffs announced by the Trump administration.
Export growth in key markets
According to Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports in April 2025 reached nearly USD 175 million, up 4% year-on-year. Cumulatively, the first four months of 2025 saw pangasius exports hit USD 640 million, a 10% increase over the same period last year.
China and Hong Kong remain Vietnam’s largest pangasius buyers. Exports to this market reached over USD 44 million in April, up 7% from April 2024. However, the year-to-date total was slightly down, at USD 149 million, a 2% decline.
The U.S. continued to be the second-largest destination for Vietnamese pangasius despite a 15% drop in April exports to USD 40 million. Total exports to the U.S. for the first four months of 2025 stood at USD 101 million, a modest 2% decrease.
Brazil has maintained its status as a major single-country market, particularly for frozen pangasius fillets. Exports in April reached USD 15 million, a 9% increase, while the year-to-date total surged to USD 63 million—up 67% from the same period last year.
In Europe, exports continued their positive trajectory, up 9% in April to USD 16 million. The Netherlands remains the leading EU market for Vietnamese pangasius, with USD 17 million in exports over the first four months of 2025—a 15% year-on-year increase.
Thailand also posted steady growth. April exports to the market totaled USD 5 million, up 5%, and reached USD 25 million for the January–April period, up 18% year-on-year.
Short-term boost amid tariff uncertainty
Despite the cloud of retaliatory tariffs imposed by the U.S., Vietnamese exporters have taken advantage of a temporary window to push shipments. On April 3, 2025 (Vietnam time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from over 180 economies. Vietnam was among those hardest hit, facing a proposed tariff rate of up to 46%, threatening key export sectors—especially seafood.
On April 9, however, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of these tariffs for over 75 countries, including Vietnam. This reprieve is seen as a critical window for bilateral negotiations and the potential to reach a more favorable long-term arrangement. While the pause has relieved short-term pressure, uncertainty still looms over the future trade landscape.
Broader impacts of trade conflict
The long-term effects of a U.S.-led trade war under the “America First” policy are expected to be extensive, impacting global supply chains, input costs, capital flows, inflation, and monetary policies worldwide. Vietnam, with its highly open economy and heavy dependence on exports, is especially vulnerable. Any U.S. tariff shock is likely to have a domino effect across sectors—including seafood and pangasius.
Strategic response and diversification
To avoid being caught off-guard by trade policy shifts, Vietnamese enterprises are being urged to diversify their markets and expand domestic consumption of pangasius. In parallel, investment in other whitefish export products such as tilapia and red tilapia may offer new growth avenues and help reduce exposure to U.S. trade risks.
While pangasius exports may enjoy short-term momentum, navigating the U.S. tariff storm will require strategic adaptation, market diversification, and strengthened domestic value chains to ensure long-term sustainability.