Thailand ranks as the second-largest consumer of Vietnamese pangasius in Asia

Data from Vietnam Customs reveals that in the first half of February 2025, pangasius exports to Thailand surpassed USD 3 million, marking a remarkable 280% increase compared to the same period last year.

By February 15, 2025, total exports to this market had reached USD 9 million, reflecting a 24% year-on-year growth. This surge has positioned Thailand as the second-largest importer of Vietnamese pangasius in Asia, following China. Additionally, it ranks as Vietnam’s fourth-largest individual market for pangasius, after China & Hong Kong, the U.S., and Brazil.

In January 2025, frozen pangasius fillets remained Vietnam’s primary export product to Thailand. The export value of HS 0304 products to this market approached USD 5 million, representing a 6% decline compared to January 2024. Similarly, value-added pangasius exports to Thailand experienced a significant 32% drop, amounting to just USD 748,000. Imports of other frozen pangasius products, such as steak cuts, whole fish, and butterfly cuts, also declined by 16% to USD 991,000.

This decrease follows the typical seasonal trend in Vietnam’s pangasius exports, which tend to slow down during the extended Lunar New Year holiday.

Despite this short-term fluctuation, Thailand remains a stable growth market with increasing demand for Vietnamese pangasius. Several key factors contribute to this market’s attractiveness:

• Rising demand from the food service sector: Thailand’s booming restaurant, hotel, and catering industries create strong demand for pangasius, which is widely used in prepared meals, seafood buffets, and international-style restaurants.
• Strategic geographical location: The short shipping distance between Vietnam and Thailand helps lower transportation costs, making Vietnamese pangasius more competitive in terms of pricing.
• Trade benefits under ATIGA: The ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) provides tariff reductions, facilitating easier market entry for Vietnamese pangasius.
• Shifting consumer preferences: Thai consumers are increasingly opting for white fish as a more affordable alternative to other seafood products, which have seen rising prices.

With strong demand, logistical advantages, and preferential trade policies, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Thailand hold significant potential in 2025. However, to fully capitalize on this opportunity, exporters should prioritize product diversification, quality enhancement, and targeted market promotion efforts.

Source: https://vietfishmagazine.com/