Frozen fillets remained the mainstay with revenue of US$1.1 billion, while other processed items, though modest in value, posted strong growth, signaling opportunities in higher-value segments.

The US was the largest market, bringing in US$234 million, with stable demand in mid- and high-end categories despite technical barriers. Exports to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) members rose 36% to US$242 million, buoyed by tax incentives and changing consumer trends. In the EU, steady demand in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain underscores long-term potential, though sustainability requirements remain a challenge.

In ASEAN, shipments to Thailand and the Philippines reached  around US$78 million, up strongly on-year, with advantages of proximity and lower logistics costs making the region a “safe belt” for the industry.

VASEP said these market dynamics, coupled with businesses’ efforts to standardize and build brands, are creating momentum for the pangasius sector to cross the US$2 billion threshold this year.

Vietnam’s pangasius exports climb to over US$1.2 billion in seven months

VOV.VN - Vietnam earned more than US$1.2 billion from pangasius (tra fish) exports in the first seven months of the year, an 11% increase year on year, according to Vietnam Customs.