The performance of Vietnam pangasius exports in H1 2026 reveals a market that is still expanding, but increasingly divided among key destinations.

According to VASEP, Vietnam exported approximately USD 205 million worth of pangasius in June 2026, up 5% year on year. Total export value for the first six months reached USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12%. China and CPTPP markets generated much of the growth, while exports to the US and Brazil declined.

For producers and distributors, the key message is therefore not simply that pangasius exports are increasing. The more important development is where that growth is coming from.

USD 1.1 Billion Reflects More Than Export Growth

A 12% year-on-year increase indicates continued international demand for Vietnamese pangasius.

However, the individual market results vary significantly.

This difference can influence:

• Production planning.
• Raw material requirements.
• Product specifications.
• Frozen inventory.
• Packaging formats.
• Pricing.
• Delivery schedules.

Businesses therefore need to monitor market-level developments rather than relying solely on total industry growth.

China Becomes the Strongest Growth Driver

China remained Vietnam's largest pangasius market during the first half of 2026.

Exports reached approximately USD 299 million, up 35% year on year, accounting for around 27% of Vietnam's total pangasius export value. June exports to China also increased by 5%.

This makes China one of the clearest drivers of the industry's overall expansion.

Why China matters to the supply chain

Rapid growth in a large market can affect production allocation, raw-material demand, cold storage, and shipment planning.

Producers serving multiple markets therefore need to coordinate:

• Raw material sourcing.
• Freezing capacity.
• Cold storage.
• Product specifications.
• Packaging.
• Delivery schedules.

Domestic distributors may also need to monitor these developments, as stronger export demand can indirectly influence local supply availability.

CPTPP Markets Grow 15%

CPTPP provides another important growth channel.

Vietnam's pangasius exports to CPTPP members reached approximately USD 196 million during H1 2026, increasing 15% from the same period of 2025. June exports totaled about USD 34 million.

Unlike a single market, CPTPP includes countries with different consumption patterns and product preferences, creating opportunities for a more diversified product portfolio.

Mexico highlights demand for raw-material products

Exports to Mexico reached approximately USD 43 million, up 28% during the first six months.

According to VASEP, exports of whole and portion-cut frozen pangasius to Mexico increased 43%, while frozen fillets rose 27%.

This indicates that export growth is not limited to traditional fillets. Whole fish and portioned products also have commercial potential in distribution and processing channels.

US Exports Fall 5%

The US market moved in the opposite direction.

Pangasius exports to the US fell 10% in June and reached approximately USD 167 million during H1 2026, down 5% year on year. The market represented around 15% of total Vietnamese pangasius export value.

The US remains commercially significant, but the figures demonstrate that traditional market size does not guarantee continuous growth.

Businesses serving this market need to closely manage costs, product positioning, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Brazil Declines 6%

Brazil also recorded weaker results.

June exports declined 12% year on year, while cumulative exports for H1 reached approximately USD 88 million, down 6%. Brazil accounted for around 8% of total pangasius exports.

The decline illustrates how market demand can change even after periods of strong expansion, reinforcing the importance of diversification.

The H1 2026 Pangasius Export Map

The figures show a clear divergence: China and CPTPP are supporting overall growth, while the US and Brazil remain under pressure.

Export Trends Also Matter to Domestic Distributors

Export data is not relevant only to exporters.

Changes in major overseas markets may indirectly affect:

• Raw-material availability.
• Processing capacity.
• Product pricing.
• Consistency of specifications.
• Frozen inventory levels.
• Delivery lead times.

For tier-1 wholesalers and distributors, monitoring export demand can therefore help improve purchasing and inventory decisions.

The Second Half of 2026 May Remain Uneven

H1 results provide a positive foundation, but the gap between individual markets suggests that growth may not follow a straight line.

China currently provides the strongest momentum, CPTPP continues to expand, while the US and Brazil still require close monitoring.

For seafood businesses, three factors are particularly important:

Market demand → raw-material availability → product pricing and specifications.

Understanding how these factors interact can support better production, purchasing, and distribution decisions.

Follow the Pangasius Market

Vietnam pangasius exports in H1 2026 show a growing but increasingly differentiated market: China is accelerating, CPTPP continues to expand, while the US and Brazil remain under pressure.

Follow KDT Production for pangasius market updates, supply information, and developments that may affect seafood purchasing and distribution plans.