Pangasius exports in April 2026 rise 18%, U.S. market shows signs of recovery

China and the U.S. continue to grow while Brazil slows down

China remained Vietnam’s largest pangasius import market with impressive results. In April 2026, exports to this market reached USD 53 million, up 26% year-on-year. Total exports in the first four months climbed to USD 197 million, accounting for nearly 27% of total pangasius exports and increasing by 54% — the strongest growth rate among major markets. Chinese consumer demand recovered quickly after a cautious period, while advantages in transportation and bilateral trade relations have been effectively utilized.

The United States ranked second, with April export value reaching USD 39 million, up 20% year-on-year. Cumulative exports through April reached USD 106 million, up 4% — positive but far more modest growth compared to China. Under pressure from the 10% tariff and competition from alternative whitefish suppliers, Vietnamese pangasius exports to the U.S. have recovered after a prolonged period of negative growth. However, Vietnamese pangasius products in the U.S. market continue to face significant challenges and competition from other whitefish products.

Brazil, the largest pangasius consumption market in Latin America, recorded export turnover of USD 17 million in April, up 13% year-on-year. However, cumulative exports in the first four months of 2026 reached only USD 57 million, down 7% compared to the same period in 2025.

EU posts slight growth, CPTPP continues to accelerate

Total pangasius exports to the EU from January to April 2026 reached USD 57 million, down 4% year-on-year. In April alone, exports to the EU reached USD 17 million, up slightly by 5%, indicating gradual recovery toward the end of the period.

From the beginning of the year through April 2026, the CPTPP bloc maintained strong growth momentum, with total exports to member markets reaching USD 128 million, up 21% year-on-year.

Frozen fillets continue to dominate

Regarding product structure in the first four months of 2026, frozen pangasius products under HS03 accounted for 98% of total export turnover. Of this, frozen fillets (HS0304) reached USD 594 million, accounting for more than 82% of the industry’s total export value and rising 20%, continuing to be the core product of Vietnamese pangasius in international markets. In contrast, value-added pangasius products under HS16 contributed only USD 13 million, accounting for less than 2% of total exports and declining 16% — indicating that the high value-added segment has yet to be effectively developed.

Vietnam’s pangasius export performance in the first four months of 2026 shows that the industry is maintaining positive growth momentum, driven mainly by China and the CPTPP markets.

Although exports to the EU and Brazil have shown signs of slowing in the short term, this may also create opportunities for enterprises to restructure markets, improve product quality, and enhance adaptability to increasingly stringent import requirements. At the same time, the HS16 processed product segment still holds considerable growth potential. As global demand for convenient and value-added food products continues to rise, this segment could become an important driver for increasing export value and improving profit margins for the pangasius industry in the coming years.

However, alongside the positive signals, businesses should also pay attention to several market uncertainties in the coming period, including the increasing use of trade defense measures, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising international logistics costs. In this context, market diversification, increasing the share of value-added products, and investing more in sustainable farming areas will remain key strategies for enhancing resilience and maintaining long-term growth for Vietnam’s pangasius industry.