Vietnam's pangasius export sector had shown resilience in April 2025, with signs of growth despite looming trade tensions with the United States, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
However, challenges remain on the horizon, particularly in light of the steep retaliatory tariffs announced by the Trump administration.
According to Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports in April 2025 reached nearly US$175 million, up four per cent year-on-year. Cumulatively, the first four months of 2025 saw pangasius exports hit US$640 million, a 10 per cent increase over the same period last year.
China and Hong Kong remain Vietnam’s largest pangasius buyers. Exports to this combined market reached over US$44 million in April, up seven per cent from April 2024. However, the year-to-date total was slightly down, at US$149 million, a two per cent decline.
The US continued to be the second-largest destination for Vietnamese pangasius despite a 15 per cent drop in April exports to US$40 million. Total exports to the US for the first four months of 2025 stood at US$101 million, a modest two per cent decrease.
Brazil has maintained its status as a major single-country market, particularly for frozen pangasius fillets. Exports in April reached US$15 million, a nine per cent increase, while the year-to-date total surged to US$63 million—up 67 per cent from the same period last year.
In Europe, exports continued their positive trajectory, up nine per cent in April to US$16 million. The Netherlands remains the leading EU market for Vietnamese pangasius, with US$17 million in exports over the first four months of 2025—a 15 per cent year-on-year increase.
Thailand also posted steady growth. April exports to the market totaled US$5 million, up five per cent, and reached US$25 million for the January–April period, up 18 per cent year-on-year.
Despite the cloud of retaliatory tariffs imposed by the US, Vietnamese exporters have taken advantage of a temporary window to push shipments.
On April 3, 2025 (Vietnam time), US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from over 180 economies. Vietnam was among those hardest hit, facing a proposed tariff rate of up to 46 per cent, threatening key export sectors—especially seafood.
On April 9, however, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of these tariffs for over 75 countries, including Vietnam. VASEP said this reprieve is seen as a critical window for bilateral negotiations and the potential to reach a more favourable long-term arrangement.
While the pause has relieved short-term pressure, uncertainty still looms over the future trade landscape.
VASEP said the long-term effects of a US-led trade war under the “America First” policy are expected to be extensive, impacting global supply chains, input costs, capital flows, inflation, and monetary policies worldwide.
Vietnam, with its highly open economy and heavy dependence on exports, is especially vulnerable. Any US tariff shock is likely to have a domino effect across sectors—including seafood and pangasius.
To avoid being caught off-guard by trade policy shifts, Vietnamese enterprises are being urged to diversify their markets and expand domestic consumption of pangasius. In parallel, investment in other whitefish export products such as tilapia and red tilapia may offer new growth avenues and help reduce exposure to US trade risks.
VASEP said that while Vietnam's pangasius exports may enjoy short-term momentum, navigating the US tariff storm will require strategic adaptation, market diversification, and strengthened domestic value chains to ensure long-term sustainability.