Export Vietnam pangasius exceeds USD 2 billion in the first 11 months
MEKSEA.COM – According to VASEP, export Vietnam pangasius surpassed USD 2 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In November alone, export turnover reached USD 195 million, also up 9% year-on-year, confirming a steady recovery trend toward the end of the year.
Quick view
- 0.1 China remains the largest market for export Vietnam pangasius
- 0.2 US and EU markets face continued pressure
- 0.3 CPTPP and emerging markets show mixed signals
- 0.4 Product structure supports overall export growth
- 0.5 Outlook for export Vietnam pangasius in 2026
- 1 Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam
China remains the largest market for export Vietnam pangasius
Following a strong rebound in October, exports to China continued to grow steadily in November, reaching nearly USD 59 million, up 17% year-on-year. China remained the largest single market for export Vietnam pangasius during the month, maintaining its leading position in overall export value.

The sustained growth in China reflects stable consumption demand and relatively flexible import conditions, making the market a key pillar for Vietnam’s pangasius exports amid slower performance elsewhere.
US and EU markets face continued pressure
In contrast, pangasius exports to the US declined sharply in November, falling to USD 20 million, down 23% compared to the same period last year. The decrease was largely attributed to the 20% reciprocal tariff, which has reduced the price competitiveness of Vietnamese pangasius in the US market. The downward trend, which began in August, showed no signs of reversal in November.
Similarly, exports to the European Union reached USD 12 million in November, a 25% year-on-year decline. The contraction was driven mainly by reduced shipments to the Netherlands (down 18%) and Germany (down 20%). Despite the overall decline, several smaller EU markets recorded modest growth, indicating remaining development potential within the bloc for Vietnamese pangasius products.
CPTPP and emerging markets show mixed signals
Within the CPTPP bloc, exports to the UK reached USD 5 million in November, down slightly by 4% year-on-year. However, the smaller decline compared to previous months is considered an early sign of stabilization after a prolonged downturn.
Mexico continued to stand out as a bright spot, with exports surging to USD 8 million, equivalent to a 50% increase. Meanwhile, Japan and Malaysia maintained mild growth of around 2%, reflecting stable demand and room for further expansion in these markets.
Exports to Brazil totaled USD 15 million in November, up 13% year-on-year. Over the first 11 months of 2025, exports to Thailand increased by 24%, Egypt by 33%, and Russia by 45%. Despite strong growth rates, these markets still account for a relatively small share of total export Vietnam pangasius turnover, highlighting the need for deeper market penetration and targeted product development.
Product structure supports overall export growth
From January to November 2025, frozen pangasius fillets under HS0304 generated more than USD 1.6 billion, up 11% year-on-year, and continued to dominate Vietnam’s pangasius export structure. Other frozen, dried and whole pangasius products under HS03 (excluding HS0304) reached nearly USD 348 million, remaining broadly stable compared to last year. Processed pangasius products under HS16 recorded USD 48 million in export value, up 13%, reflecting gradual progress in value-added segments.
Outlook for export Vietnam pangasius in 2026
Although exports to China showed strong growth, the sharp declines in the US and EU pushed China’s share to around 30% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export structure. At the same time, Brazil and several CPTPP markets posted impressive growth but still offer significant room for expansion.
Looking ahead to 2026, the 20% reciprocal tariff in the US is expected to continue exerting negative pressure on export Vietnam pangasius, limiting competitiveness in this market. As a result, Vietnamese enterprises will need to proactively diversify export destinations, expand into alternative markets, and place greater emphasis on processed and high-value pangasius products.
Achieving international sustainability certifications and improving compliance with global standards will be increasingly important to enhance the image of Vietnamese pangasius. These efforts will be critical for maintaining competitiveness and strengthening Vietnam’s position in an increasingly price-sensitive and competitive global seafood market.
Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam
![]() |
|
MEKSEA’S PANGASIUS PRODUCTS
Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam Har Gow!
Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director
Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469
Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com
Joy Nguyen (Meksea Team)
If you found this topic interesting, please click the Like button below, so we may continue to expand this topic. Leave a comment with your thoughts for the author team to discuss





