Vietnam Pangasius Export Data: Vietnam’s Pangasius Exports Exceed $2 Billion in 2025

Vietnam’s pangasius industry reached a major milestone in 2025, with total export value exceeding US$2 billion for the first time since the onset of the post-pandemic recovery phase. This achievement is not the result of a single favorable factor, but rather the outcome of coordinated growth across production, processing, market diversification, pricing recovery, and value-chain restructuring. According to the latest Vietnam export data & Vietnam customs export data of Pangasius, the total value of Vietnam pangasius exports reached $1.56 billion in 2024, an increase of 8% from the previous year. According to the Vietnam pangasius export data, Vietnam exported pangasius worth $2.1 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. 

Vietnam is the biggest pangasius exporter in the world, as per the global trade data. At a time when global seafood trade remains volatile due to inflationary pressure, geopolitical uncertainty, and stricter sustainability requirements, Vietnam’s pangasius sector has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. This blog examines the export data behind the US$2 billion figure, the markets and products driving growth, the structural strengths of the Vietnamese pangasius value chain, and the key challenges shaping the industry’s future.

Vietnam’s Pangasius Export Milestone: Over $2 Billion in 2025

According to official data and industry projections, Vietnam’s pangasius exports in 2025 are on track to surpass US $2 billion, with estimates putting the total at around US$2.1 billion for the full year, exceeding initial targets by approximately 5%. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's pangasius exports hit US$195 million in November alone, representing a nine percent year-over-year gain and highlighting a steady recovery trajectory for the industry in the last months of the year. 

Key indicators include:

• Total export value: Over US $2.1 billion in 2025. 

• Recovery and growth: Exports grew roughly 9% year-on-year compared to 2024. 

• Export volume: Production reached about 1.65 million–1.74 million tons in 2025, supporting export growth. 

This represents a significant rebound after challenges in recent years and reinforces pangasius as one of Vietnam’s export pillars within the broader seafood sector.

Overview of Vietnam’s Pangasius Export Performance in 2025

In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports are estimated to reach US$2.05–2.1 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 8–10 percent compared to 2024. This growth is notable given that several major seafood categories globally experienced stagnation or contraction during the same period. 

Key performance indicators for 2025 include:

• Total export volume: Approximately 750,000–800,000 tons of processed pangasius products

• Share of seafood exports: Pangasius accounts for roughly 18–20 percent of Vietnam’s total seafood export revenue

• Average export price: Gradual recovery, particularly for larger-size fillets and value-added products

The export rebound in 2025 reflects both improved demand in key markets and better pricing conditions compared to the depressed levels seen in 2023–2024.

Vietnam Pangasius Exports by Country: Where Does Vietnam Export Pangasius? 

Vietnam is a significant player in the Pangasius export market, with its fish exports reaching various corners of the globe, as per the data on Vietnam pangasius exports by country. The country exports Pangasius to a wide range of countries, including the United States, China, the European Union, Brazil, and Mexico. This diversification of export destinations helps Vietnam's Pangasius industry maintain stability and growth in the global market. The top 10 export destinations for Vietnamese pangasius exports, as per the Vietnam shipment data for 2025, include:

1. USA: $337.44 million (21.6%)

The United States is the top importer of Vietnamese pangasius, accounting for a significant portion of Vietnam's exports, as per the data on Vietnam pangasius exports to the US by HS code. With a value of $337.44 million, the US market plays a crucial role in driving Vietnam's pangasius export industry. The demand for pangasius in the US is driven by its affordability, versatility, and mild flavor.

2. China: $312.88 million (20%)

China is another major importer of Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $312.88 million. The growing middle-class population in China has led to an increase in demand for seafood products, including pangasius. Vietnam has been able to capitalize on this trend by exporting a large quantity of pangasius to China.

3. Brazil: $128.78 million (8.2%)

Brazil is a key market for Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $128.78 million. The Brazilian market values pangasius for its taste and affordability, making it a popular choice among consumers. Vietnam's strong presence in Brazil has helped solidify its position as a top exporter of pangasius.

4. Mexico: $68.79 million (4.4%)

Mexico is another important market for Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $68.79 million. The demand for pangasius in Mexico is driven by the country's large population and increasing consumption of seafood. Vietnam has been able to meet this demand by exporting a significant amount of pangasius to Mexico.

5. United Kingdom: $54.21 million (3.5%)

The United Kingdom is a key importer of Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $54.21 million. The UK market values pangasius for its affordability and versatility, making it a popular choice among consumers. Vietnam's strong presence in the UK has helped increase its exports of pangasius to this market.

6. Thailand: $49.45 million (3.2%)

Thailand is an important market for Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $49.45 million, as per the customs data on Vietnam pangasius exports to Thailand. The demand for pangasius in Thailand is driven by its popularity as a versatile and healthy seafood option. Vietnam has been able to capture a significant share of the Thai market by exporting a large quantity of pangasius to Thailand.

7. Netherlands: $42.84 million (2.7%)

The Netherlands is a significant importer of Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $42.84 million. The Dutch market values pangasius for its quality and sustainability, making it a preferred choice among consumers. Vietnam's strong presence in the Netherlands has helped boost its pangasius exports to this market.

8. Germany: $36.13 million (2.3%)

Germany is a key market for Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $36.13 million. The German market values pangasius for its taste and nutritional benefits, making it a popular choice among consumers. Vietnam's strong presence in Germany has helped increase its exports of pangasius to this market.

9. Canada: $36.01 million (2.3%)

Canada is an important market for Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $36.01 million. The Canadian market values pangasius for its affordability and mild flavor, making it a popular choice among consumers. Vietnam's strong presence in Canada has helped drive its exports of pangasius to this market.

10. Egypt: $35.04 million (2.2%)

Egypt is a significant importer of Vietnamese pangasius, with a value of $35.04 million. The Egyptian market values pangasius for its affordability and taste, making it a preferred choice among consumers. Vietnam's strong presence in Egypt has helped boost its exports of pangasius to this market.

Vietnam Pangasius Exports in the Last 10 Years: Historical Vietnam Pangasius Export Data

Production & Supply Base: Foundation of Pangasius Export Growth in Vietnam

Farming Area and Output

Vietnam’s pangasius production remains concentrated in the Mekong Delta, particularly in provinces such as Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho, and Vinh Long. In 2025:

• Total farming area: Approximately 5,500–6,000 hectares

• Total pangasius output: Estimated at 1.65–1.75 million tons

• Average yield: Around 280–300 tons per hectare

Production levels were stable compared to 2024, but fish size improved, with a higher proportion of harvests meeting export-preferred weight ranges (1.0–1.3 kg per fish). This shift played an important role in supporting higher export prices.

Cost Structure and Farmer Margins

Feed costs, which account for 65–70 percent of total farming expenses, stabilized in 2025 after significant volatility in previous years. While costs remain higher than pre-2020 levels, improved farm-gate prices helped restore farmer margins.

• Average farm-gate price: Increased by 10–15 percent year-on-year

• Profitability: Many medium-scale farms returned to break-even or modest profitability

This stabilization reduced supply disruptions and improved raw material availability for processors.

Export Structure by Product Category

Frozen Pangasius Fillets: The Core Export Product

Frozen fillets remain the backbone of Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for over 95% of the total export volume and approximately 85–88% of the export value.

In 2025:

• Frozen fillet exports: Around US$1.75–1.8 billion

• Key formats: Skinless, boneless, white, and trimmed fillets

• Primary buyers: Foodservice distributors, retail chains, and importers in Asia, North America, and Latin America

Demand for frozen fillets benefited from pangasius’s competitive pricing relative to other whitefish species such as cod, haddock, and pollock.

Value-Added and Processed Pangasius Products

A notable trend in 2025 was the continued expansion of value-added pangasius products, although from a relatively small base.

These products include:

• Breaded and marinated fillets

• Pangasius portions and cubes

• Fish balls, fish cakes, and ready-to-cook items

• By-products such as fish skin, collagen, gelatin, and fish oil

Value-added products accounted for approximately 12–15 percent of export value in 2025, up from around 10 percent in 2024. Growth rates in this segment exceeded 20 percent year-on-year, reflecting processor efforts to move beyond commodity pricing.

Export Markets: Shifting Demand and Diversification

China and Hong Kong: Largest and Most Dynamic Market

China and Hong Kong together remained Vietnam’s largest pangasius export destination in 2025, accounting for roughly 30–32 percent of total export value.

Key characteristics of this market include:

• Strong demand for whole fish, fillets, and cut portions

• Preference for competitive pricing and quick delivery

• Rapid recovery of foodservice demand

Exports to China grew steadily throughout 2025, particularly in the second half of the year, as inventories normalized and consumption improved.

United States: High-Value but Policy-Sensitive

The United States remained one of Vietnam’s most important pangasius markets by value, accounting for approximately 18–20 percent of total exports.

However, the 2025 performance was mixed:

• Export volumes declined modestly

• Export value was pressured by higher tariffs and compliance costs

• Demand shifted toward lower-priced formats

Despite these challenges, pangasius continued to benefit from its price advantage over domestic and alternative imported whitefish species.

European Union: Stable but Selective Demand

The European Union accounted for around 12–14 percent of Vietnam’s pangasius export value in 2025.

Key trends include:

• Stable demand in Western Europe

• Strong emphasis on sustainability certifications and traceability

• Higher interest in responsibly farmed and low-carbon seafood

While volumes were lower than pre-2020 peaks, the EU remained a strategically important market for higher-standard products.

CPTPP and Emerging Markets: Growth Engines

One of the most important developments in 2025 was the rise of non-traditional and emerging markets, including:

• Brazil and other Latin American countries

• Mexico and Canada

• Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia

Combined, these markets accounted for nearly 25 percent of total pangasius export value, with growth rates exceeding those of traditional markets. Trade agreements and reduced tariff barriers played a major role in this expansion.

Pricing Trends and Revenue Growth Drivers

Export Price Recovery

After two years of depressed prices, pangasius export prices showed a gradual recovery in 2025.

• Average export price: Increased by 5–8 percent year-on-year

• Premium pricing: Achieved for large-size fillets and value-added items

• Price volatility: Lower than in previous years due to improved supply planning

Higher prices were not uniform across markets but contributed meaningfully to the overall US$2 billion export result.

Shift Toward Larger Fish Sizes

A higher proportion of exports consisted of fish weighing over 1.2 kg, which command better processing yields and higher prices. This shift improved export revenue without requiring proportional increases in volume.

Processing Capacity and Industry Structure

Vietnam’s pangasius processing sector is characterized by:

• Vertically integrated companies controlling farming, processing, and exporting

• Modern processing plants with freezing, portioning, and packaging capabilities

• Increasing use of automation and digital quality control systems

In 2025, processors focused on:

• Reducing waste and maximizing by-product utilization

• Improving cold chain efficiency

• Meeting stricter food safety and traceability requirements

These efforts helped protect margins and enhance competitiveness.

Trade Policy and Regulatory Environment

Trade Agreements

Free trade agreements played a critical role in supporting pangasius exports in 2025 by:

• Reducing or eliminating tariffs in key markets

• Improving market access for processed products

• Enhancing investor confidence in the sector

Trade Barriers and Compliance Costs

At the same time, exporters faced ongoing challenges:

• Anti-dumping measures and periodic reviews

• Higher compliance costs for food safety and sustainability

• Administrative complexity in certain high-value markets

These factors reinforced the need for diversification and value-added strategies.

Sustainability and ESG Considerations

Environmental and social compliance became increasingly important in 2025, especially in European and developed markets.

Key areas of focus include:

• Responsible feed sourcing

• Water quality management

• Reduction of antibiotic use

• Improved labor standards and transparency

Companies investing in sustainability were better positioned to maintain access to premium markets and secure long-term contracts.

Challenges Facing the Pangasius Industry

Despite the positive export figures, the industry continues to face structural risks:

• Dependence on a limited number of major markets

• Sensitivity to trade policy changes

• Climate-related risks affecting aquaculture

• Competition from other low-cost whitefish suppliers

Addressing these challenges will be critical to sustaining growth beyond 2025.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s pangasius exports are projected to grow at a moderate rate of 4–6 percent annually, potentially reaching US$2.3 billion by 2026.

Future growth will depend on:

• Continued expansion into emerging markets

• Stronger emphasis on value-added products

• Investment in sustainability and traceability

• Improved coordination across the value chain

Conclusion and Final Words

In conclusion, Vietnam’s achievement of over US$2 billion in pangasius exports in 2025 is a clear indicator of the sector’s resilience and strategic evolution. While the industry remains exposed to global volatility, its ability to adapt through market diversification, value-added processing, and improved production practices has reinforced its position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of farmed whitefish. The 2025 milestone is not an endpoint, but a foundation. How Vietnam builds on this performance will determine whether pangasius remains a high-volume commodity or evolves into a more diversified, higher-value export industry in the years ahead.

We hope that you liked our data-driven and interactive blog report on Vietnam Pangasius Export Data 2025. For more information on the latest Vietnam import-export data, or to search live data on Vietnam pangasius exports by country, please visit VietnamExportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in for customized trade reports, market insights, and a verified database of the top pangasius exporters & suppliers in Vietnam, tailored to your needs.