According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 1.3 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 10 per cent from the same period last year.
Exports totalled USD 203 million in July, a 4 per cent increase, indicating continued growth despite a slowdown from previous months.
The US remains one of Vietnam's key export markets, with shipments worth USD 189 million in the first seven months. However, pangasius exports to the US fell 8 per cent year on year during the period, while July exports plunged 28 per cent from July 2025.
VASEP said pressure on the US market was intensifying, particularly following changes to anti-dumping duties.
The final results of the 21st administrative review (POR21) of US anti-dumping duties on frozen Vietnamese pangasius and basa, covering the period from August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024, were announced by the US Department of Commerce on August 12. The duties imposed on the companies covered by the review rose sharply from the preliminary rates announced in February 2026.
VASEP said the POR21 outcome was unfavourable for Vietnamese pangasius, particularly as the cost of accessing the US market was already rising sharply.
The higher duties could prompt US importers to ask Vietnamese suppliers to share the additional costs, cut prices, renegotiate contracts or seek alternative sources, the association said.
The pressure is compounded by a Section 301 tariff of 12.5 per cent on Vietnamese goods exported to the US.
The additional duties are increasing the cost of bringing Vietnamese pangasius into the US, putting further pressure on its competitiveness against domestically produced catfish and other white-fleshed fish.
China emerges as key support
In contrast to the US market, Vietnamese pangasius exports to China are accelerating.
Shipments to the world's most populous country rose 15 per cent year on year in July.
In the first seven months of 2026, exports to China reached USD 357 million, up 31 per cent from the same period last year and accounting for nearly 27.5 per cent of total pangasius export revenue.
The figures underline China's role as a cornerstone market and an important source of support for Vietnam's pangasius industry as other major markets face growing challenges.