The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of Vietnam's seafood consumption markets. Some products that are widely exported to this market include canned tuna and tilapia. In recent years, Iran has increasingly favored pangasius from Vietnam because it suits the taste of this country's consumers.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, in April 2024, Vietnamese pangasius exports to Iran reached nearly 700 thousand USD; increased 3 times over the same period in 2023. The export value of Vietnamese pangasius to this Muslim country in April 2024 was also recorded as the highest level since September 2022. By the end of April 2024, pangasius exports to this West Asian country reached more than 1.2 million USD, up 17% over the same period last year; Mainly due to a decrease of 37% and 84% respectively in the first 2 months of this year.

In the past 5 years, since 2019, Vietnamese pangasius exports to Iran have continuously grown impressively. In particular, similar to the general trend of countries importing Vietnamese pangasius when the world opened up after Covid-19; 2022 is also recorded as the year when pangasius export turnover to this country increases the most with a value of nearly 5 million USD, an increase of 137% compared to 2021. The value of pangasius exports to Iran in 2022 accounts for 83% of Vietnam's total seafood exports to this country. In 2023, pangasius exports to Iran will reach more than 4.1 million USD, down 12% compared to 2022, accounting for 66% of Vietnam's total seafood export turnover to this market.

Iran almost does not consume VAT pangasius products from Vietnam. Unlike most other markets that prefer frozen pangasius fillets, consumers in Iran tend to consume more frozen/dried pangasius products (except pangasius under HS code 0304).

In April 2024, Iran imported nearly 700 thousand USD of frozen pangasius from Vietnam, an increase of 3 times compared to April 2023. In the first four months of this year, Vietnam exported nearly 1 million USD of frozen pangasius to Iran, down 3% over the same period last year, accounting for 81% of the proportion.

For frozen pangasius fillets, in April 2024, Iran only imported more than 24 thousand USD, nearly doubling compared to April 2023. In the first 4 months of this year, Iran imported nearly 234 thousand USD of this product, an increase of 11 times compared to the same period last year, and accounting for 19% of the proportion.

EXPO AGROFOOD Iran 2024 exhibition on agriculture, food, machinery and related industries will take place from June 8 - 11, 2024 in Iran. The exhibition has the participation of 698 domestic companies and 127 foreign companies from Austria, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Thailand, Turkey, China, Denmark, Russia, France, Korea, Poland, the Netherlands and India... This is an opportunity for businesses to meet, exchange, promote products, and develop product exports to the Iranian market.

Source: VASEP