“Jan 2025: CPTPP Overtakes U.S. as Vietnam’s Second-Largest Pangasius Import Market”
MEKSEA.COM – Vietnam’s pangasius exports in January 2025 totaled over 133 million USD, reflecting a 19% decline compared to the same period last year, according to Vietnam Customs. Notably, the ranking of the largest pangasius import markets has seen significant shifts.

Quick view
- 0.0.1 China & Hong Kong Remain the Top Pangasius Importers
- 0.0.2 CPTPP Becomes Vietnam’s Second-Largest Pangasius Import Market
- 0.0.3 The U.S. Falls to Third Place in Pangasius Import Market
- 0.0.4 Pangasius Exports to the EU Show Positive Growth
- 0.0.5 Factors Behind Market Shifts and Declining U.S. Demand
- 0.1 If you are also looking for Pangasius or other seafood products from Vietnam, contact Meksea right now:
- 1 About us
China & Hong Kong Remain the Top Pangasius Importers
China & Hong Kong continued to be the leading markets for Vietnamese pangasius in January 2025. However, export value to this region dropped by 40% year-over-year, reaching just 31 million USD and accounting for 24% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export turnover.
CPTPP Becomes Vietnam’s Second-Largest Pangasius Import Market
In a notable shift, CPTPP overtook the U.S. to become Vietnam’s second-largest pangasius import market. Despite a 17% decrease in export value compared to January 2024, shipments to CPTPP countries still totaled 21 million USD. Within the bloc, Mexico remained the top importer, purchasing over 5 million USD, though this represented a 20% decline year-over-year.
The U.S. Falls to Third Place in Pangasius Import Market
For the first time in years, the U.S. dropped to third place among Vietnam’s pangasius export markets, after consistently ranking second behind China & Hong Kong. In January 2025, exports to the U.S. reached 18 million USD, reflecting a modest 2% decline compared to the same period in 2024.
Pangasius Exports to the EU Show Positive Growth
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU experienced a slight increase in January 2025, reaching over 13 million USD, up 2% year-over-year. The Netherlands remained the top importer within the EU, with purchases totaling 3.4 million USD, though this marked a 9% decline from January 2024. Notably, Germany recorded a strong 57% growth, importing nearly 3 million USD worth of pangasius.
Factors Behind Market Shifts and Declining U.S. Demand
Several factors contributed to the decline in U.S. pangasius imports and the overall shifts in market rankings:
- Seasonal trends: After strong demand in late 2024, production and exports typically slow in the first months of the new year.
- Shifting global demand and increased competition from alternative suppliers.
- Technical and tariff barriers imposed by importing countries.
- Inventory levels in the U.S.: Many American importers stocked up on pangasius in late 2024, reducing the need for new shipments.
- Rising competition from other white fish products in the U.S. market.
As Vietnam’s pangasius export landscape continues to evolve, industry stakeholders should closely monitor global demand, market trends, and trade regulations to optimize export strategies.
At Meksea, there are many diverse pangasius product categories to meet market needs such as:
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If you are also looking for Pangasius or other seafood products from Vietnam, contact Meksea right now:
Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: +84 903 872 469 Mr. Hoang
Email to: hoang@mekseaconnection.com
About us
Mekong Seafood Connection (MEKSEA) was established in 2010 with the vision of elevating Vietnamese seafood—one of the world’s richest sources—to global recognition for its variety and quality among consumers.
We believe that to successfully showcase Vietnamese seafood on the world stage, it is essential to harness the strengths of capable producers who meet international standards. Alongside this, we are committed to rigorous quality control and sustainable practices. Moreover, we continuously strive to enhance our services, ensuring that customers can have complete peace of mind and trust in every order they place with us.
Meksea sends you the list of our best-selling products this week
→ Pangasius fillet light yellow | → Pangasius steak |
Kindly please visit Meksea website to explore our pangasius products: https://mekseaconnection.com/product-category/pangasius/
Meksea always pays particular attention to product quality to secure each consumer’s family member’s health and set their mind at rest by bringing in true quality seafood products.
Are you looking for Pangasius products for your sales plan for 2025? Contact Meksea right now for the best offers.
Lucy Dang (Meksea Team)
(Reference: Vasep)
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