AsemconnectVietnam - In 2025, Vietnam's pangasius export value was estimated to reach nearly US$2.2 billion, an 8% increase compared to 2024.

This result showed that pangasius exports maintain their growth momentum amidst volatile international markets. In December of 2025 alone, pangasius export value reached US$200 million, a 10% increase compared to the same period of 2024. This is a remarkable growth in the last month of the year, reflecting import demand for consumption and stockpiling in key markets.
Pangasius exports to various markets in 2025
In December of 2025, pangasius exports to China reached US$60 million, a strong 25% increase compared to the same period last year, accounting for nearly 30% of total pangasius export value in that month. In 2025, total pangasius exports to China was estimated to reach nearly US$560 million, a 2% increase compared to 2024.
Pangasius exports to the US in December of 2025reached US$17 million, a 37% decrease compared to the same period last year, indicating that demand in this market has not yet shown signs of recovery. Pangasius exports to the US in 2025 was estimated to reach US$325 million, a decrease of nearly 6% compared to 2024. The impact of the 20% reciprocal tariff and high inventory levels made pangasius exports to this market to maintain a downward trend.
In December of 2025, pangasius exports to the EU reached US$16 million, a 2% increase compared to the same period last year. Although the increase is not yet significant, this is still considered a sign of improvement in the last month of 2025. In 2025, exports to the EU market reached US$175 million, a slight decrease of 1% compared to last year.
In 2025, pangasius exports to Brazil reached US$176 million, a strong increase of 36% compared to 2024. In December of 2025 alone, pangasius exports to this market reached US$18 million, an increase of 65% compared to the same period last year, making Brazil one of the fastest-growing markets of the year.
In the last month of 2025, the export turnover of the CPTPP bloc countries increased by 30% compared to the same period last year. Specifically, pangasius exports to the UK reached US$6 million, an increase of 12% compared to 2024; to Mexico reached US$7 million, an increase of 3%; to Japan reached US$4 million, a 33% increase compared to the previous year. The exports to the CPTPP bloc of countries was estimated to increase by 34% in 2025, reaching US$367 million, with Mexico contributing the most at US$77 million, the UK at US$60 million, and Colombia at US$56 million.
In 2025, pangasius exports to ASEAN was estimated to reach US$203 million, a 20% increase compared to 2024. In December of 2025 alone, the exports to this market reached US$16 million, an 8% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, pangasius exports to the Middle East was estimated to reach US$176 million in 2025, a 19% increase year-on-year, and US$16 million in December of 2025 alone, an 8% increase.
Regarding product structure, in 2025, the export value of pangasius under HS code 0304 was estimated to reach nearly US$1.8 billion, a 9% increase compared to 2024, continuing to account for the largest share of total pangasius export value. For fresh/frozen/dried pangasius products (under HS code 03, excluding HS0304), export value was estimated at US$377 million, a 0.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the export value of processed, value-added pangasius products (HS code 16) was estimated to reach nearly US$51 million, an 8% increase compared to 2024, although its share remains modest.
Prospects for Vietnamese pangasius in 2026
In 2026, Vietnamese pangasius exports are forecast to continue facing significant pressure, particularly from the approximately 20% retaliatory tariff imposed by the US, reducing the price competitiveness of Vietnamese pangasius products in this market. The decline in export value in December of 2025 indicated that this trend is unlikely to improve anytime soon. Therefore, expanding into other markets such as CPTPP, ASEAN, and the Middle East is considered a necessary direction. Strong growth in Brazil is a positive sign, although this market currently mainly imports frozen pangasius fillets.
In addition, processed and value-added pangasius products have developed but have not yet reached their full potential. In the future, businesses need to increase investment in deep processing, diversify products, and maintain and expand sustainable certifications to enhance value, meet increasingly stringent international market standards, and create a foundation for stable growth in 2026.
CK
Source: VITIC/vasep.com.vn