MEKSEA.COM – Japan is well-known for having strict requirements when importing seafood, especially fish used for sashimi. But in Vietnam, there is one Vietnamese fish that has been successfully exported to Japan for sashimi. It is convenient, nutritious, safe, and features white flesh, a smooth texture, and a mild flavor. Do you know which fish it is?

which the vietnam fish contribute to the sashimi Japan?

Which Vietnamese fish appear in Japan’s sashimi?

Vietnam has achieved a remarkable milestone: Pangasius (cá tra) has officially been introduced into the sashimi menu of Kura Sushi – one of Japan’s most famous conveyor-belt sushi chains, with over 550 restaurants in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), this marks a significant turning point and highlights the rising position of Vietnamese seafood in one of the most demanding markets in the world.

For many years, Vietnamese fish – pangasius has been favored globally and imported widely, mainly in frozen fillet form, with major markets including the U.S., EU, and China. However, a notable shift is taking place: pangasius is now entering the premium sushi segment in Japan – a market renowned for its refined palate and strict culinary standards.

In recent years, Japanese consumer preferences – especially among younger generations—have evolved. They are seeking new, convenient, nutritious, and safe seafood options. This makes pangasius an appealing choice. Japanese consumers appreciate Vietnamese pangasius for its white flesh, smooth texture, mild flavor, and its harmonious pairing with wasabi and soy sauce, offering a fresh experience compared with traditional sushi fish.

Mr. Kazumasa Suzuki, Director of Toyo Reizo (Tokyo), stated that demand for pangasius in Japan is expected to continue rising as consumers increasingly value seafood that is safe, stable in supply, and high in quality.

Export pangasius performance in October

The success at Kura Sushi has opened a new direction for Vietnam’s seafood industry: increasing export value, expanding markets beyond the U.S. and Europe, and strengthening the global recognition of the “Vietnamese Pangasius” brand. To seize this opportunity, the industry needs continued investment in supply chains, product traceability, and international-standard branding.

In the first 10 months of 2025, exports to the CPTPP and EU blocs maintained solid growth. Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Japan reached USD 39 million.

Exports to the CPTPP bloc reached USD 305 million, up 36%, accounting for 17% of total pangasius export value.

• Mexico: USD 63 million (+1%)

• Malaysia: +37%, reflecting strong import expansion

Other markets also showed positive growth. China and Hong Kong recorded USD 73 million in October, up 19%. After a brief slowdown in September, demand from China has clearly strengthened as the year-end peak season approaches.

Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor 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. Follow us to get more the Vietnam pangasius export update in the market!

Meksea – The leading seafood distributor in Vietnam 

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnamese fish

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

(Source: VASEP)

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