Pangasius exports reach US$1.3 bln, demand rises in China

Data from the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) showed that pangasius export turnover exceeded $1.3 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 10% year on year. Exports generated $203 million in July alone, up 4%, maintaining their upward trajectory despite slower growth than in previous months.

In contrast to the overall growth, export value from the key US market reached only $189 million after seven months, down 8% year on year. Notably, exports in July plunged by 28% from the same month in 2025. According to VASEP, competition in the US market is intensifying, mainly due to adjustments to anti-dumping duties.

On August 12, the US Department of Commerce issued its final results for the 21st administrative review (POR21) of frozen Vietnamese pangasius and basa products covering August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.

The duties imposed were significantly higher than the preliminary results announced in February 2026. The anti-dumping duty on Bien Dong Seafood increased to $1/kg from the initial $0.29/kg. The rate for NTSF Seafood rose from $0.07/kg to $0.38/kg, while CASEAMEX and NAVICO were each assigned a rate of $0.84/kg instead of $0.23/kg. Companies subject to the Vietnam-wide rate face a duty of $2.39/kg.

According to VASEP, the POR21 results place companies in a difficult position as the cost of exporting products to the US continues to increase. This situation could prompt US importers to demand lower selling prices, request that exporters share the tax burden, renegotiate contracts or switch to alternative suppliers.

Pressure has intensified further because these products are also subject to an additional 12.5% Section 301 tariff, seriously weakening the competitiveness of Vietnamese pangasius against other whitefish and domestically produced US catfish.

In contrast to the decline in the US market, Viet Nam’s pangasius exports to China grew strongly. In July alone, export value to this market increased by 15% year on year.

During the first seven months, exports to China totaled $ 357 million, surging by 31% and accounting for nearly 27.5% of the sector’s total export value. China continues to reinforce its role as a key market and a solid pillar supporting the overall growth of Viet Nam’s pangasius industry.

$ 1 = VND 26,330 - Source: Vietcombank