Vietnam’s pangasius export value in September 2025 reached USD 181 million, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. The overall trend for the pangasius industry remains positive, with total exports in the first nine months of 2025 reaching nearly USD 1.6 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year.
Among key markets, China and Hong Kong continued to take the lead, with USD 53 million in exports in September, accounting for 29% of the total and up 11% year-on-year. Meanwhile, exports to the U.S. reached USD 23 million, down 23%, though this market still made up 13% of total pangasius exports in September.
In the EU, pangasius export value in September was USD 14 million, a slight decline of 1% from the same month last year. Within the bloc, trends were mixed: Germany recorded a sharp 23% decrease, while Belgium posted an impressive 67% growth compared to September 2024, emerging as a bright spot that helped maintain overall growth in Europe.
Exports to CPTPP member markets reached USD 29 million in September, up 34% year-on-year. Within this bloc, Japan has become a promising destination, with exports totaling USD 34 million in the first nine months of 2025, up 14% thanks to stable demand and preferential tariffs under the CPTPP agreement.
In South America, Brazil remained the largest importer, with USD 10 million in September, down 16% from the same period last year. Despite the decline, Brazil continues to hold a strong position and is expected to post solid growth once Vietnam and Brazil conclude their ongoing FTA negotiations.
As of the end of September, exports of frozen pangasius fillets (HS code 0304) continued to dominate, reaching nearly USD 1.3 billion, equivalent to 98% of total pangasius exports, up 11% year-on-year. Meanwhile, exports of processed pangasius products (HS code 16) reached USD 39 million, up 23%, reflecting significant potential in the value-added segment, though this category still accounts for only about 2% of total exports.
Prices of pangasius fingerlings (30 fish/kg) surged to VND 55,000–58,000/kg, double the level seen at the beginning of the year, raising production costs. Experts noted that this price surge will likely impact export prices in Q4/2025, as processors ramp up raw fish purchases to fulfill year-end orders.
Overall, September 2025 marked a short-term adjustment phase for Vietnam’s pangasius industry after a steady growth period since early 2025. The slight month-on-month decline mainly reflected seasonal factors, as exporters still had inventory while consumer demand temporarily softened.
In the context of global market fluctuations, actively managing supply, strengthening value chain linkages, developing deeply processed products, and diversifying export markets will remain strategic priorities to help Vietnam’s pangasius industry sustain its stability — especially as global demand is expected to rebound in Q4 to serve the year-end festive season.
