Photo: VASEP/FIS

Vietnamese Pangasius Exports Signal Cautious Recovery in EU Market for 2025

VIET NAM
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 06:30 (GMT + 9)

The Netherlands leads a mixed rebound with 9% growth in early 2025, as Vietnam focuses on value-added products and market diversification amid evolving consumer demands.

HANOI – After a challenging 2023, Vietnam's pangasius exports to the European Union (EU) market are showing positive signals, with a 9% increase to $61 million in the first four months of 2025, according to Vietnam Customs data. While positive, growth remains cautious and varied across individual markets, as reported by Ms. Thu Hang, editor of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The Netherlands has emerged as a key driver, leading the EU with a 15% increase in import value to over $17 million. This recovery is attributed to decreasing inventories at European distributors and stable, reasonably priced pangasius aligning with current economic consumption patterns. Italy also stands out as a "new bright spot," recording a significant 71% growth to over $5 million, supported by affordability and a growing emphasis on traceable, sustainable products. Belgium saw a encouraging 10% increase to $6 million.

However, other traditional markets experienced declines. Germany, the second-largest EU consumer, saw exports fall 12% to $11 million, influenced by food inflation and a shift towards local seafood. Spain's imports also dipped slightly by 5% to $6.8 million, despite its historical role as a major consumer. Meanwhile, France (+32%), Portugal (+33%), and Greece (+19%) maintained stable growth, focusing on convenient, cut-up, and steamed pangasius fillets.

Panga fillet, ASC certified, at the Netherlands

VASEP forecasts continued double-digit growth for the second quarter of 2025, projecting full-year exports to the EU to reach $180-190 million. Achieving this recovery hinges on the Vietnamese pangasius industry's focus on diversifying products, increasing processing content, and consistently maintaining high quality to meet the stringent demands of EU importers.

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