Value-added pangasius products expand presence in CPTPP markets

Mexico records the strongest growth among major CPTPP markets

Mexico emerged as the most dynamic CPTPP market for Vietnamese pangasius in the first four months of 2026. Export value reached nearly USD 31 million, accounting for 4% of Vietnam’s total pangasius exports. Compared with the same period in 2025, exports to Mexico surged by 57%, the highest growth rate among CPTPP markets.

In terms of product structure, Mexico has the simplest import profile. The market is almost entirely focused on fresh and frozen pangasius products under HS Chapter 03. Frozen pangasius fillets under HS code 0304 accounted for 91% of export value, while the remaining 9% consisted of other HS 03 products.

This structure indicates that pangasius exports to Mexico continue to rely heavily on traditional products, particularly frozen fillets. The 57% growth rate reinforces Mexico’s position as one of the most important CPTPP markets to watch.

Japan rises 27% in the first four months, with processed products accounting for 25%

Pangasius exports to Japan reached nearly USD 16 million during the first four months of 2026, representing 2% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export turnover. Export value increased by 27% year-on-year.

Frozen fillets remained the dominant product category, accounting for 70% of exports. Notably, processed products under HS Chapter 16 represented 25% of total pangasius exports to Japan, while other HS 03 products contributed approximately 5%.

Compared with Mexico, Japan’s import structure is more diversified. In addition to frozen fillets, processed products account for a significant share of imports. This reflects differences in consumer demand across CPTPP markets and Japanese consumers’ preference for processed and value-added seafood products.

Exports to Canada reach USD 15 million, with a more balanced product mix

Pangasius exports to Canada totaled USD 15 million during the first four months of 2026, accounting for 2% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value. Compared with the same period in 2025, exports declined slightly by 0.3%.

A notable feature of the Canadian market is its more balanced product structure between fresh and frozen products and processed products. Frozen fillets accounted for 54% of exports, while value-added products under HS Chapter 16 represented as much as 43%. Other HS 03 products accounted for approximately 2%.

With such a high proportion of processed products, Canada differs significantly from Mexico and more closely resembles Japan in its preference for value-added imports. However, in terms of growth, the market remained largely flat compared with the previous year.

Australia declines 6%, while frozen fillets remain dominant

Pangasius exports to Australia reached USD 10 million during the first four months of 2026, accounting for 1.4% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export turnover. Compared with the same period in 2025, exports to Australia declined by 6%.

Frozen fillets remained the leading product category, accounting for 73% of export value, while processed products under HS Chapter 16 represented 27%.

Among the four major CPTPP markets reviewed, Mexico recorded the strongest growth and maintained a product structure focused almost entirely on frozen pangasius products under HS Chapter 03. Japan and Canada demonstrated stronger demand for processed products, which accounted for 25% and 43% of imports, respectively. Although Australia recorded a slight decline in export value, it continued to import both frozen fillets and processed products.

Consumer preferences across CPTPP markets are becoming increasingly differentiated. In Mexico, Vietnamese pangasius continues to capitalize on its strengths in frozen fillets and other frozen products under HS Chapter 03. Meanwhile, Japan, Canada, and Australia offer significant growth potential for value-added pangasius products.

Overall, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to CPTPP markets increased by 21% during the first four months of 2026, although growth rates and product import structures varied considerably across individual markets.