Meksea. com –  According to VASEP, Japan’s shift toward convenient and ready-to-cook foods is opening new opportunities for Vietnam’s value-added pangasius products. With exports to Japan reaching USD 20 million in the first five months of 2026, Vietnamese exporters are well positioned to meet the market’s increasing demand for high-quality, convenient seafood solutions.

Japan’s Shift Toward Convenience Foods Supports Vietnam’s Value-Added Pangasius

Pangasius Exports to Japan Continue Strong Growth in 2026

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Japan reached USD 4 million in May 2026, up 8% compared to May 2025. Cumulatively, export turnover totaled USD 20 million during the first five months of the year, marking a 22% increase year-on-year.

Pangasius Exports to Japan Continue Strong Growth in 2026

Japan continues to be one of the most important Asian markets for Vietnamese pangasius. The steady growth recorded in early 2026 highlights the market’s sustained demand despite ongoing fluctuations in the global seafood industry.

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Japan maintains a relatively high proportion of imports for value-added pangasius products

Frozen pangasius fillets (HS0304) continued to dominate exports to Japan, accounting for 86.1% of total export value. Products under HS0303 represented 4%, while value-added pangasius products (HS16) contributed 9.8%.

Compared to many other markets, Japan maintains a relatively high proportion of imports for value-added pangasius products. This trend reflects consumers’ preference for processed and ready-to-cook seafood and presents opportunities for Vietnamese exporters to further expand their premium product offerings.

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Japanese Consumers Favor Convenient Seafood Products

Japanese consumers increasingly prefer convenient, easy-to-prepare products that suit modern lifestyles and smaller household sizes. At the same time, Japan is well known for its stringent requirements regarding food safety, quality assurance, and traceability.

Japanese Consumers Favor Convenient Seafood Products

To meet these expectations, Vietnamese seafood exporters continue to invest in strict quality control systems across the entire supply chain, from aquaculture and processing to packaging and logistics. These efforts are helping to strengthen Vietnam’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality pangasius products.

Pangasius Remains an Attractive Alternative to Whitefish

As global supplies of several whitefish species remain constrained and procurement costs continue to rise, Vietnamese pangasius has emerged as a competitive alternative thanks to its stable quality and affordable pricing.

With its mild flavor, white flesh, and versatility in cooking applications, pangasius continues to gain acceptance among international buyers. This trend is expected to support export growth in Japan while creating new opportunities for value-added product development tailored to evolving consumer preferences.

Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam

MEKSEA’S PANGASIUS PRODUCTS

Pangasius Steak

Breaded pangasius fillet

Frozen Pangasius fillet

Pangasius fillet

Meksea is proud to be one of Vietnam’s leading seafood distributors, delivering premium seafood products to customers worldwide. Our extensive pangasius portfolio includes frozen fillets, steaks, and value-added products that meet international standards for food safety, quality, and traceability.

Backed by an experienced quality control team and a reliable supply network, Meksea provides flexible sourcing solutions tailored to the unique needs of each market. As demand for Vietnamese pangasius continues to grow in Japan, Meksea remains committed to connecting global buyers with sustainable, high-quality seafood from Vietnam.

For inquiries about our pangasius products, please contact Meksea today.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam  seafood!

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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