China, the U.S., and Brazil lead import markets
By market, China continued to be the largest destination for Vietnamese pangasius. In February 2026, exports to China reached USD 26 million, up 19% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months, exports totaled USD 94 million, surging 86%, mainly driven by increased imports ahead of the Lunar New Year.
The United States ranked second among import markets. In February 2026, pangasius exports to the U.S. reached USD 18 million, down 19% year-on-year. For the first two months, exports totaled USD 38 million, down slightly 5%. This decline partly reflects slower consumption and cautious sentiment among importers amid changes in U.S. tariff policies.
Brazil ranked third, with exports in February reaching USD 10 million, down 27% year-on-year. However, cumulative exports to this market in the first two months still reached USD 29 million, up 8%.
Other major market groups
Exports to CPTPP markets in February 2026 reached USD 22 million, down 7% year-on-year. Nevertheless, thanks to strong results in January, cumulative exports to this bloc in the first two months reached USD 59 million, up more than 23% compared to the same period in 2025.
Meanwhile, exports to the EU reached USD 11 million in February, down slightly 5% year-on-year. For the first two months, exports to the EU totaled USD 26 million, up 7%, indicating that demand in this region is maintaining a stable recovery trend.
Several other markets also showed positive growth signals. Thailand recorded USD 15 million in imports during the first two months, up 18%. Colombia saw the strongest growth, increasing by more than 100% year-on-year. In contrast, Canada recorded a slight decline both in February and over the two-month period.
Export product structure
In terms of product structure, pangasius products under HS code 03 continued to dominate total export value. In the first two months of 2026, frozen/dried pangasius (excluding HS0304) reached USD 52 million, up 22%, indicating stable demand for these products.
Meanwhile, value-added pangasius products (HS16) reached USD 6 million in the first two months of 2026, down 14% year-on-year. Although this segment accounts for a smaller share of total exports, it is considered to have strong long-term potential as consumer trends in many markets shift toward processed and convenient products.
Outlook and challenges
The export growth of pangasius in the first two months of 2026 was mainly driven by strong performance in January, while February showed signs of slowing. Exports to the U.S. declined by 19%, and several other markets also recorded slight decreases due to disruptions caused by the Lunar New Year holiday.
Meanwhile, China maintained solid growth of 19%, continuing to be a key driver of Vietnam’s pangasius exports in the early part of the year. However, the outlook ahead still presents several challenges. In the EU, while supply of whitefish is tightening, countries such as China and Brazil are increasing exports of tilapia, making the mid-range segment more competitive for Vietnamese pangasius.
In addition, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to raise the risk of disruptions to maritime shipping routes and increase logistics costs, which could affect import demand and delivery schedules for seafood products in this region and globally in the coming period.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
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