Vietnam’s pangasius exports surpass US$1 billion H1
Despite global trade uncertainties, Vietnam’s pangasius industry achieves robust growth, driven by strong demand from key markets and a shift toward value-added products.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s pangasius exports totaled US$1.02 billion in the first six months of 2025, marking an 11% rise from the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
Frozen pangasius fillets remained the dominant export, contributing $821 million and accounting for 98% of the total export value of this tariff line, which grew by 11% from last year. This product continues to drive industry growth and solidify Vietnam’s dominance in the global market.
Meanwhile, processed pangasius products saw remarkable growth, with exports surging 48% to $26 million. This shift toward high-value products aligns with Vietnam’s strategy to restructure the industry and enhance profitability and market competitiveness.
Vietnam’s pangasius industry achieves robust growth despite global trade uncertainties. Photo: Nhi Ha/Thitruongtaichinh
Despite a 4% year-on-year decline, China remained Vietnam’s largest market, absorbing $249 million worth of pangasius. The United States also saw robust growth, with exports rising 10% to $175 million, fueled by early orders ahead of a potential 20% tariff set to take effect on August 1 of this year.
Brazil emerged as a dynamic market, with exports rising 10% to US$175 million, bolstered by new trade agreements, including a deal between Vietnam’s Nam Viet Corporation (Navico) and Brazil’s AV09 Comercio Exporter Ltda.
The signing of this deal on July 8 marked the first official pangasius shipment to Brazil and was witnessed by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his visit to the Latin American country for expanded BRICS summit. The deal supports ambitions to boost bilateral trade to $15 billion by 2030 and advance free trade negotiations with the MERCOSUR bloc.
The European Union contributed to this growth with $90 million in exports, up 5%. The Netherlands led the way with $26 million spent on Vietnamese pangasius. Despite a 15% dip in June, the EU remains a key market, reflecting steady demand for this Vietnamese product.
Vietnam supplies over 90% of the world’s frozen pangasius fillets, outperforming competitors such as Egypt, India, and Bangladesh. Its integrated supply chain and adherence to international standards continue to solidify its position as the preferred global supplier.
