Vietnam's pangasius exports to the US could face additional pressure as the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced POR21 results, with anti-dumping duty rates for many enterprises increasing sharply compared to preliminary results.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) stated that on August 12, 2026, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced the final results of the 21st administrative review (POR21) regarding anti-dumping duty orders on frozen pangasius and basa fish from Vietnam, covering the review period from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.

Ms. Le Hang, Deputy Secretary-General of VASEP, informed that the final results indicate duty rates for enterprises subject to review all increased significantly compared to the preliminary results announced in February 2026, marking an unfavorable development for Vietnam's pangasius export activities to the US market in the upcoming period

Specifically, compared to the preliminary rate, the duty rate for Bien Dong Seafood Co., Ltd. increased from 0.29 to 1.00 USD/kg, equivalent to an increase of nearly 245%; NTSF Seafoods JSC increased from 0.07 to 0.38 USD/kg, up over 440%.

The rate assigned to the two enterprises not individually investigated—Can Tho Import Export Seafood JSC (Caseamex) and Nam Viet Corporation (Navico)—increased from 0.23 to 0.84 USD/kg, equivalent to an approximate 265% increase.

Compared to POR20, the rate shifts in POR21 are even more pronounced. In the final results of POR20, Bien Dong was subject to a 0 USD/kg duty rate. Six enterprises granted separate rates—including CASEAMEX, Dai Thanh, Dong A, HungCa 6, NAVICO, and NTSF—also bore a 0 USD/kg rate.

The DOC did not alter the nationwide duty rate for Vietnam, which remains at 2.39 USD/kg.

According to the DOC's announcement, for Vietnamese exporters previously investigated or reviewed who are not included in the POR21 enterprise group but possess a separate rate, the cash deposit rate continues to be the enterprise's separate rate published in the most recent segment during which that enterprise was reviewed.

Conversely, Vietnamese enterprises not yet determined eligible for a separate rate will be subject to the 2.39 USD/kg nationwide rate. Enterprises falling into this group need to exercise special caution when determining cash deposit rates for new shipments and should cross-check their enterprise case numbers directly with CBP/DOC prior to export.

VASEP stated that the final results announcement indicated the DOC altered certain calculation details after reviewing comments and rebuttals from interested parties. It is precisely these data and calculation methodology changes post-preliminary phase that caused the final margins to increase significantly. However, to accurately determine the causes and the impact level of each factor on every enterprise's duty increase, an in-depth analysis of explanatory documents and the detailed publication of DOC's calculation results is required.

According to VASEP, in July 2026, seafood export turnover reached approximately 1.02 billion USD, up 4.8% compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively for the first 7 months, the entire sector reached approximately 6.78 billion USD, an 11.5% increase.

Within which, pangasius exports in the first 7 months reached approximately 1.35 billion USD. Even so, purchasing power across certain markets has not recovered strongly, and pricing factors remain an obstacle for enterprises.

VASEP evaluated that prospects for the final months of the year are not entirely favorable. To maintain growth momentum, the seafood sector needs to continue diversifying markets, products, and distribution channels. Beside retaining traditional markets, enterprises need to better exploit potential in China, Asian countries, and Southeast Asia, while proactively expanding the domestic market.

Furthermore, enterprises need to elevate productivity, control quality, optimize supply chains, and proactively adapt to trade policy alterations.

"If major markets maintain stable demand, while bottlenecks regarding taxes, trade, and costs are step-by-step cleared, the goal of pushing 2026 seafood exports beyond 12 billion USD remains grounded. However, the capability to reach higher levels will depend significantly on policy developments in the United States and the recovery strength of consumption markets in the final months of the year." — VASEP evaluation

Source: Vnbusiness