Photo: VASEP/FIS

Thailand is the Second Largest Consumer of Vietnamese Pangasius in Asia

VIET NAM
Monday, March 24, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

According to Vietnam Customs, in the first half of February 2025, pangasius exports to Thailand reached more than 3 million USD, an increase of 280% over the same period last year.

Cumulative pangasius exports to this market as of February 15, 2025 reached 9 million USD, an increase of 24% over the same period in 2025, as reported by Ms.Thu Hang, editor of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

With this growth, Thailand has risen to the 2nd position in the top countries importing the most Vietnamese pangasius in Asia, after China. At the same time, it is the 4th largest single market for consuming Vietnamese pangasius, after China & HK, USA and Brazil.

In the first month of 2025, frozen pangasius fillets are still the main pangasius product exported by Vietnam to Thailand. The export value of HS 0304 products in January 2025 to the "Land of Golden Pagodas" reached nearly 5 million USD, down 6% compared to January 2024. Also in January 2025, VAT pangasius exports to Thailand witnessed negative growth of 32% and reached only 748 thousand USD. Imports of other frozen products (cut into pieces, whole fish, butterfly split, ...) also decreased by 16%, reaching only 991 thousand USD.

This decline is part of the general annual trend of the pangasius export industry, when Vietnam has a long Lunar New Year holiday.

Source: VASEP

Thailand continues to be one of the stable growth markets, with the consumption of Vietnamese pangasius expanding. With undeniable advantages such as:

• High demand as the food service industry thrives with a diverse system of restaurants, hotels, and eateries. Vietnamese pangasius is popular in ready-made dishes, seafood buffets, and international-style restaurants;

• Favorable geographical location: The close distance helps reduce transportation costs, increasing price competitiveness compared to other sources of supply; The advantage of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (ATIGA) helps reduce import taxes, creating momentum for Vietnamese pangasius when entering the Thai market;

• Suitable for consumer tastes as Thai customers increasingly prefer white fish to replace other seafood sources that are more expensive.

Pangasius exports to Thailand in 2025 have great potential thanks to high consumption demand, favorable geographical location and preferential trade policies. However, to maximize the opportunity, businesses need to focus on product diversification strategies, improve quality and increase trade promotion to this market.

Related news:

• Vietnamese Pangasius: Trade Promotion and Market Expansion

• Vietnam's pangasius production is expected to continue increasing, despite competition from other producers

• VASEP Leverages Digital Marketing to Boost Vietnamese Pangasius Exports

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