Pangasius exports in Sep 2025: Momentum from CPTPP market and processed products

Among the key markets, China & Hong Kong continued to lead with export value in September reaching $53 million, accounting for 29% of total September exports, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2024. Pangasius export turnover to the US in September 2025 reached $23 million, down 23% year-on-year, but this market still accounted for 13% of total exports in September.

In the EU region, the export value in September reached $14 million, a slight decrease of 1% compared to the same period last year. Developments within the bloc were diversified: while traditional markets like Germany saw a sharp decrease of nearly 23%, Belgium recorded an impressive growth of 67% (compared to September 2024), gradually becoming a bright spot helping to maintain the growth momentum in Europe.

The bloc of markets supported by the CPTPP Agreement recorded an export value in September of $29 million, an increase of 34% compared to the same period last year. Within this market bloc, Japan emerged as a potential market with impressive growth. Total Pangasius exports to the Japanese market in the first 9 months reached $34 million, up 14% year-on-year, thanks to stable demand and preferential tariffs.

Meanwhile, Brazil – the largest market in South America – reached $10 million in September 2025, a decrease of 16% compared to the same period in 2024. Despite the slight decline, Brazil maintained its significant position and still has strong development prospects after Vietnam and Brazil complete the FTA negotiation rounds.

Regarding the product structure, by the end of September, the export value of frozen Pangasius fillet (HS0304 code) continued to dominate at nearly $1.3 billion, equivalent to 98% of total exports, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, total exports of processed Pangasius (HS16 code) in the first 9 months of 2025 reached $39 million, a strong increase of 23% year-on-year, demonstrating the significant potential of the value-added product segment – although this product still currently accounts for a small proportion (2%).

Overall, September 2025 reflects a short-term adjustment phase for the Pangasius industry after a period of stable growth since the beginning of the year. The slight decrease compared to the previous month is a seasonal factor, as businesses still hold inventory and consumer demand is lower.

In the context of volatile international markets, proactively regulating supply, strengthening chain linkages, developing deep-processed products, and diversifying markets will continue to be strategic directions to help the Vietnamese Pangasius industry maintain a stable position, especially as global import demand is expected to recover strongly in Q4 to serve the year-end holiday season.

Source:  https://seafood.vasep.com.vn/