Vietnamese pangasius exports to the EU increase slightly
According to data from Vietnam Customs, in the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam's pangasius exports to the EU reached US$149 million, a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In October 2025 alone, export value reached US$15 million, a decrease of 11% compared to October 2024. Although cumulative growth remains positive, monthly trends reflect cautious sentiment of importers in face of economic fluctuations and shortage of whitefish supply.
However, import trends among EU member states show a clear divergence. Specifically, in the Netherlands, leading market in the EU, exports slowed down, reaching $3.4 million in October (down 2%).
In Germany, second largest market, exports continued to weaken, reaching only $3 million in October 2025 (a sharp decrease of 32%). Spain showed positive developments, with a strong increase of 75% in October compared to the same period last year. Belgium also recovered positively, increasing by 1% in October and by 19% in the first 10 months of the year.
This divergence shows that while some traditional markets are slowing down, demand in Southern and Western Europe is trending upwards.
EU whitefish shortage: An opportunity for Vietnamese pangasius?
According to Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), current shortage of whitefish supply is a significant factor directly impacting prices and market share distribution in the EU market. According to analysis from Norwegian Fisheries Council, raw material and retail prices of cod and haddock in the EU are projected to continue rising, while difficulties facing whitefish industry are unlikely to improve in the short term.
Notably, cod – a key product in whitefish consumption – is experiencing a severe shortage due to a sharp decline in fishing yields in Barents and Norwegian Seas. Although producers are trying to compensate for supply shortage with farmed cod, current production is still insufficient to meet market demand.
Not only has production declined, but international trade policies and EU sanctions against Russia have affected many imported whitefish products, further exacerbating the already limited supply.
“In this context, demand for affordable and stable supply options in EU is projected to increase. This is a crucial factor creating a market gap for potential substitutes – among which pangasius is considered a suitable candidate due to its cost advantages, stable supply and ability to meet diverse processing requirements” analyzed Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP).
Given continued scarcity of whitefish in the EU, Vietnamese pangasius possesses several competitive advantages: suitable pricing, stable supply, and flexible processing capabilities, meeting alternative needs of European importers.
Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) also stated that consumer trends in the EU market are shifting towards convenient and value-added products, creating opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to boost product lines such as breaded pangasius, ready-to-eat processed products and premium sliced products.
“Markets such as Spain, Belgium and France are considered to have great potential due to high demand for products that are reasonably priced and easy to process. In addition, increasingly better compliance with sustainability standards such as ASC helps Vietnamese pangasius enhance its reputation and improve acceptance in the EU. This strengthens the role of pangasius as a viable alternative in the context of the increasingly evident shortage of whitefish”, VASEP commented.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn