In the first nine months of 2025, Vietnam Pangasius export reached nearly USD 1.6 billion, up 9% compared to the same period in 2024. This marks a clear sign of recovery after a long period of decline. The data indicates a significant transformation in the export structure, as traditional markets show signs of stagnation while new and trade-preferred markets are rising in importance.

Strong Growth from CPTPP and Brazil

Within the CPTPP bloc (including Japan, Canada, Mexico, and Chile), Vietnam Pangasius export surged by 35%, reaching USD 271.4 million and accounting for around 17% of total export value, compared to approximately 14% in 2024. This reflects the benefits of preferential tariffs from the free trade agreement and the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood products in these markets.

In South America, Brazil continues to shine as one of the fastest-growing destinations, with imports of pangasius from Vietnam rising 45% to USD 128 million, representing about 8% of total export value. Thailand also recorded a 27% increase (USD 58.3 million), supported by the rebound in domestic consumption and re-export activities within the ASEAN region.

In South America, Brazil continues to shine as one of the fastest-growing destinations

Traditional Markets Slow but Remain Key Players

Meanwhile, China–Hong Kong, the largest market for Vietnam Pangasius export, reached USD 409.8 million, down slightly by 2% compared to the same period last year but still accounting for nearly 26% of total export value. The United States market followed with USD 257.2 million, accounting for about 16%, also down 2% year-on-year due to intense competition from other whitefish species such as Alaska pollock and cod, along with the impact of tariff barriers.

The European Union maintained a stable 8% share (USD 134.2 million), supported by the growing demand for convenient foods and efforts to diversify supply sources beyond Russia. Meanwhile, emerging regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa reached approximately USD 340 million, up 3.6%, showing that Vietnamese exporters are proactively expanding into new markets to minimize concentration risks.

The European Union maintained a stable 8% share

Analysis and Outlook for Exporters

The current market restructuring gives Vietnam Pangasius export a more balanced and sustainable outlook, reducing excessive dependence on a few traditional destinations. This shift opens new opportunities but also presents several challenges for exporters.

On the opportunity side, businesses can leverage free trade agreements such as the CPTPP to enjoy tariff advantages and access high-value markets with strong demand for sustainable products. Expanding into Brazil, Thailand, and other emerging regions helps diversify the customer base and reduce reliance on major markets like China and the U.S. Moreover, global consumer trends are moving toward sustainably sourced, traceable, and value-added seafood, creating an important direction for the future development of the pangasius industry.

businesses can leverage free trade agreements

However, the industry still faces rising input costs and fierce competition, especially in traditional markets. To maintain growth momentum, Vietnam Pangasius export enterprises need to focus on cost optimization, investment in value-added processing, and consistent quality assurance to meet international standards.

Looking ahead, experts forecast that Vietnam Pangasius export will accelerate in the last quarter of 2025 thanks to rising year-end demand and new orders for the Lunar New Year 2026. With a proactive market strategy and continued adaptation to global consumption trends, Vietnamese exporters are well-positioned to turn this market shift into a long-term advantage, strengthening the global presence of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.

Meksea – The leading seafood distributors in Vietnam

As one of the leading seafood distributors in Vietnam, Meksea has aligned closely with this direction — prioritizing high-quality, responsibly sourced products to meet the growing global demand for sustainable seafood. Through its strong partnerships and deep understanding of international markets, Meksea continues to connect global buyers with the best of Vietnam Pangasius exports and other premium seafood products.

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