The United States remains one of the world’s largest consumers of whitefish products. According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), during the first seven months of 2025, U.S. whitefish imports reached over USD 1.1 billion, a 42% increase compared to the same period last year. Among the top-selling species, tilapia, cod, and pangasius (tra fish) continue to dominate the American market.

Frozen Tilapia Fillets – The U.S. Market Leader

ITC reports that frozen tilapia fillets (HS code 030461) imported from China are currently the most popular whitefish product in the U.S. As of July 2025, imports of this product totaled USD 262 million, up 68% year-on-year, accounting for 23% of total U.S. whitefish imports from all global sources.

Following closely, frozen cod fillets (HS code 030471) ranked second, with U.S. imports exceeding USD 260 million in the first seven months of 2025 — an increase of 13% compared to the same period last year. This product also accounted for 23% of total whitefish import value, with China supplying 62% of the total, valued at USD 162 million (up 1% year-on-year).

Vietnam’s Pangasius Fillets – The Third-Best Seller

Vietnam’s frozen pangasius (tra fish) fillets (HS code 030462) hold the third position among best-selling whitefish products in the U.S. market. According to Vietnam Customs, exports of pangasius to the U.S. in August 2025 reached USD 28 million, down 20% compared to August 2024. However, cumulative exports during the first eight months of 2025 totaled USD 234 million, marking a 4% increase over the same period last year.

The U.S. remains Vietnam’s second-largest individual market for pangasius, after China, and Vietnam continues to be the leading global supplier of pangasius fillets to the U.S. Although China has also entered this segment, its export value remains insignificant compared to Vietnam’s volume and market share.

Other Whitefish Products Gaining Ground

Besides these three key products, the U.S. market also imported other whitefish varieties in the first seven months of 2025, including:

• Fresh or chilled tilapia fillets (HS code 030431): USD 96 million, down 71%, accounting for 9% of total whitefish imports.
• Frozen tilapia (HS code 030323): USD 80 million, up 77%, accounting for 7%.
• Frozen haddock fillets (HS code 030472): USD 78 million, up 164%, accounting for 7%.
• Fresh or chilled tilapia (HS code 030271): USD 27 million, up 56% year-on-year, accounting for 2%.

Vietnam’s Pangasius Exports: Positive Momentum Amid Challenges

Despite facing global trade fluctuations and various export barriers, Vietnam’s pangasius exports have shown encouraging growth throughout the first eight months of 2025. Many Vietnamese seafood enterprises are now investing in product diversification, expanding into tilapia farming, and focusing on value-added whitefish products to strengthen competitiveness in international markets.

Looking ahead, exports of pangasius are expected to maintain their upward momentum in the final months of 2025, contributing significantly toward Vietnam’s goal of achieving USD 10 billion in total seafood export turnover this year.

Source: VASEP