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Photo: VASEP/FIS
Vietnam's Pangasius Exports to the US Under President Trump
VIET NAM
Friday, February 14, 2025, 03:00 (GMT + 9)
President Donald Trump’s administration was known for its "America First" policies, which significantly impacted global trade, including Vietnam’s seafood exports.
.png) The strength of the U.S. dollar and the administration’s protectionist measures had far-reaching effects on international markets, and Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S. were no exception, as reported by Thu Hang, Editor of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
2017: A Challenging Start
In 2017, President Trump’s first year in office, a series of tough trade policies were introduced to protect domestic industries. These measures created trade barriers that hindered Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S. Despite a 4% increase in global pangasius exports, reaching over $1.79 billion, exports to the U.S. fell by 11% compared to 2016.
2018–2020: Sharp Decline in Exports
From 2018 to 2020, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S. experienced a significant downturn. In 2019, export turnover plummeted by 48% compared to 2018, followed by a further 14% decline in 2020. Key factors contributing to this decline included:
- High anti-dumping taxes imposed by the U.S.
- Technical and trade barriers.
- The ripple effects of the U.S.-China trade war.
- A U.S. focus on prioritizing domestic seafood production and protecting its market.
2021: A Brief Recovery
 In 2021, the final year of President Trump’s term, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S. saw a strong recovery, with export turnover reaching $371 million—a 1.5-fold increase compared to 2020. This rebound was driven by:
- The Vietnamese pangasius industry’s efforts to adapt and improve product quality to meet U.S. market requirements.
- A reduction in anti-dumping taxes.
- The post-COVID-19 economic recovery in the U.S., which boosted import demand.
Photo: courtesy lagoonseafood.com -->
However, this recovery was short-lived. By late 2022, rising inventory levels and inflation in the U.S. began to slow down consumption, impacting export growth.
Trade Disputes and Resolutions
The trade dispute over pangasius began in 2018 when Vietnam challenged the U.S. over anti-dumping duties on the product. In 2020, the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a draft ruling in favor of Vietnam, prompting the U.S. to seek a bilateral solution. By the end of 2024, Vietnam and the U.S. reached an agreement to resolve the dispute, providing an opportunity for Vietnam’s pangasius industry to expand exports to the U.S. in a more stable and sustainable manner.
Representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Việt Nam and the United States Trade Representative at the meeting on January 17, 2025. Photo: VN Gov.
2025: A Cautious Market
According to Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports in the first half of January 2025 reached 75 million USD, down slightly by 0.1% over the same period last year.Several markets, including CPTPP members, the US, EU, Brazil, and Singapore, saw slight increases in Vietnamese pangasius imports. US imports in the first half of January 2025 reached over US$7 million, a modest 0.2% rise.
 On January 20, 2024, Donald Trump officially returned to the White House, bringing with him promises of new trade policies. This development has created uncertainty among U.S. importers, potentially affecting future demand for Vietnamese pangasius. In the first half of January 2025, the U.S. temporarily dropped to third place among Vietnam’s top pangasius markets, behind China & Hong Kong and CPTPP countries.
<-- Photo: courtesy lagoonseafood.com
Outlook
The U.S. pangasius market remains cautious and volatile. While there are expectations of price increases, declining consumption demand and ongoing tariff regulations continue to pose challenges for Vietnamese exporters. The industry must navigate these uncertainties while focusing on quality and sustainability to maintain its foothold in the U.S. market.
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