Photo: VASEP/FIS

What Drives Vietnam's Pangasius Exports in 2025?

VIET NAM
Friday, January 24, 2025, 20:00 (GMT + 9)

Vietnam's pangasius exports have achieved another remarkable milestone, surpassing $2 billion USD in 2025 and accounting for 20% of the country’s total seafood export turnover.

This achievement reflects the industry’s resilience in overcoming challenges, supported by steady growth and market adaptability, reports Thu Hang, Editor of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Vietnam’s pangasius exports have successfully weathered a challenging 2024, characterized by shifting consumer preferences, fluctuating geopolitical factors, increasing taxes, volatile freight rates, and market adjustments. Despite these obstacles, the cornerstone of Vietnam's success remains the superior quality and affordability of its pangasius products.

The foundation of high-quality exports begins with stringent production processes that comply with international food safety and hygiene standards. To meet processing and export requirements, harvested pangasius must adhere to strict size specifications and be disease-free. Key contributors to quality include:

• Carefully selected breeds
• Optimal farming conditions
• Strict monitoring and disease prevention

Photo: courtesy aquaculture.vn

Farmers play a pivotal role, as raising pangasius typically takes 10 months, with fish reaching a commercial size of 0.7–1.5 kg. The long production cycle demands meticulous care and dedication. Farmers’ profitability drives expansion and ensures steady output for processing, safeguarding the industry’s growth and competitiveness.

Farmers: The Core Driving Force of 2025

The year 2025 is poised to be transformative for Vietnam's seafood export industry, with farmers and fishermen at the forefront of this progress. Their commitment to sustainable practices ensures a consistent supply of high-quality pangasius, setting the stage for the industry to achieve new milestones in the global market.

Photo: courtesy aquaculture.vn

Key Export Markets and Performance

Vietnam’s pangasius continues to thrive in global markets, with China and Hong Kong maintaining their position as the largest importers.

• China and Hong Kong:
  In December 2024 alone, exports to these markets reached $52 million USD, a 19% increase year-on-year. For the full year of 2024, exports to China and Hong Kong totaled $580 million USD, marking a slight 1.3% growth compared to 2023.

• United States:
  The US remains the second-largest market for Vietnamese pangasius. In December 2024, exports to the US surged by 40%, reaching nearly $28 million USD.

• CPTPP Markets:
  Exports to the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) bloc grew by 10%, with total exports exceeding $274 million USD. Mexico leads the bloc, importing $76 million USD worth of pangasius in 2024, a 4% increase from the previous year.

• European Union:
  Exports to the EU saw positive growth, reaching $16 million USD in December 2024, an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Spain remain key markets. However, exports to Germany declined by 2%, totaling $37 million USD for the year.

• Other Emerging Markets:
  Strong growth was also observed in:

  • Brazil: Up 15%
  • Thailand: Up 4%
  • Colombia: Up 36%

Outlook for 2025

With growing demand in key markets like China, the US, and the CPTPP region, coupled with Vietnam’s commitment to quality and sustainability, pangasius exports are expected to reach new heights in 2025. The industry’s ability to adapt to challenges and leverage market opportunities will solidify Vietnam’s position as a global leader in pangasius exports.

By prioritizing sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and maintaining a focus on quality, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is set to achieve continued success in the years ahead.

See more in the PANGASIUS REPORT 2015-2024

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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