AsemconnectVietnam - According to the data from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's value-added pangasius exports in 2025 were estimated to reach US$51 million, an 8% increase compared to 2024.

This reflects the efforts of Vietnamese pangasius processing and exporting businesses in diversifying products and increasing the value of pangasius. However, behind this overall growth lies a clear differentiation among importing markets.
The US continued to be a key market for Vietnam's value-added pangasius products. The exports of processed pangasius to the US market in 2025 were estimated to exceed US$17 million, a 22% increase compared to 2024. Since August of 2025, Vietnamese products have been subject to a 20% reciprocal tariff, impacting import value in this market. In December of 2025 alone, the export value of processed pangasius decreased by 19% compared to the same period last year. This result showed that consumers in the US market still have demand for deeply processed products; however, the loss of price competitiveness has caused Vietnamese processed pangasius products to lose some of their advantage over other products.
In the Asian region, some markets recorded impressive growth. The export value of processed pangasius to Japan in 2025 was estimated to reach nearly 5 million USD, a 70% increase compared to 2024, showing great potential for processed products that suit consumer tastes. Similarly, the exports to South Korea were estimated to reach US$600,000 in 2025, an 85% increase compared to the previous year, while exports to Israel were estimated to reach US$500,000, a sharp 146% increase compared to 2024. These figures reflected the growing demand in niche markets where consumers are increasingly interested in convenient, high-value-added processed products.
In addition, several other markets have also recorded positive growth. The exports of value-added pangasius to Canada were estimated to reach US$800,000 in 2025, an 84% increase compared to 2024; while the exports to Switzerland were estimated to reach US$700,000, a 41% increase compared to the same period last year. These markets, though still modest in size, are opening up new growth opportunities for Vietnam's value-added pangasius exports.
Conversely, many traditional markets are showing a clear downward trend. Value-added pangasius exports to the UK in 2025 were estimated to reach US$4 million, a 24% decrease compared to 2024. The exports to Australia were estimated to exceed US$4 million, a 21% decrease, while exports to the Netherlands were estimated to reach nearly US$3 million, a 9% decrease. Notably, value-added pangasius exports to China in 2025 were estimated to reach only about US$0.21 million, a sharp 66% decrease compared to 2024.
This decline reflects challenges related to consumer demand and competition from substitute products in developed markets. These markets have stringent standards and requirements for sustainability certification. This presents both challenges and opportunities for Vietnamese pangasius businesses to consider changing their strategies for pangasius products, especially processed pangasius. As pangasius products become increasingly difficult to compete on price, businesses need to enhance product value through reputable branding, international certifications, and expansion into potential markets.
Overall, the export picture of value-added pangasius (HS code 16) in 2025 showed that the growth trend is maintained but uneven. In the future, the pangasius industry needs to continue diversifying markets, developing deeply processed products, and flexibly adjusting strategies according to each specific market, in order to take advantage of growth opportunities and minimize risks from external fluctuations.
CK
Source: VITIC/vasep.com.vn