According to Vietnam Customs, in February 2025, Vietnam's pangasius exports to markets regained growth momentum. Export turnover reached 150 million USD, up 66% compared to February 2024. Cumulative pangasius exports in the first two months of this year reached 284 million USD, up 11% over the same period last year.

Of which, China & HK remain the largest importers of Vietnamese pangasius. Pangasius exports to this market in February 2025 reached 36 million USD, up 56% over the same period last year. The total export value of pangasius to China & HK in the first 2 months of this year reached 67 million USD, down 11% over the same period last year. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in export turnover in the first month of the year, when Vietnam had a long Lunar New Year holiday.

The bloc of countries supported by the CPTPP Agreement is the second largest consumer market of Vietnamese pangasius. Previously, this position belonged to the US. In the first two months of this year, pangasius exports to CPTPP reached 53 million USD, up 42% over the same period last year. In February 2025 alone, pangasius export turnover to CPTPP reached 29 million USD, up 128% over February 2024.

Although it dropped to 3rd place in the list of top markets & market blocks importing the most Vietnamese pangasius, in February 2025, pangasius exports to the US reached 22 million USD, an increase of 37% compared to February 2024. Cumulative pangasius exports to this market in the first 2 months of this year reached 39 million USD, an increase of 16% compared to the same period last year.

The US is one of the key markets for the Vietnamese pangasius export industry. However, since the beginning of this year, when President Donald Trump officially returned to the White House, along with the "America First" policies that were quickly applied, it has had an impact on Vietnam, including the pangasius export industry. It is not easy to predict what will happen next, which tax rate will be applied next, to which country and how it will affect Vietnamese pangasius, however, the growth of tilapia, especially from China, is a hotter topic than ever.

Vietnamese pangasius exports to Brazil continue to grow. Export turnover in February 2025 reached 15 million USD, an increase of 159% over the same period last year. Cumulative pangasius exports in the first 2 months of this year to Brazil reached 28 million USD, an increase of 42% over the same period in 2024.

Exports to the EU also continued to grow, with export turnover in February 2025 reaching nearly 13 million USD, up 61% compared to February 2024. Cumulative pangasius exports in the first two months of this year reached 26 million USD, up 24% over the same period last year. The Netherlands is still the country importing the most Vietnamese pangasius in this bloc, with a growth rate of 24% in the first two months of this year.

Vietnam's pangasius exports in 2025 are expected to continue to be a bright spot for growth, with farmers and fishermen as the main driving force for farming, processing, production and export. This year, Vietnamese pangasius may face new challenges, both in terms of markets, competitors and geopolitical factors. However, despite the great challenges, with its delicious taste, rich nutrition, rich in omega 3 and affordable price, Vietnamese pangasius will certainly continue to win the battle with consumers around the world.

Source: VASEP