Pangasius Exports to USA Surge with Early Stockpiling Amid Tariff Threats

According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports in the first half of June 2025 reached 86 million USD, up 6% year-on-year. As of June 15th 2025, cumulative pangasius export value stood at 911 million USD, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

In the USA market, pangasius exports reached 158 million USD by mid-June, an 8% increase compared to the previous year. However, this growth was primarily driven by early-year orders, particularly FOB/CIF contracts signed in advance and thus does not accurately reflect the actual situation in June.

Frozen pangasius fillets remained the leading export product to the U.S, generating 131 million USD in the first five months of the year - up 1% year-on-year andaccounting for 20% of Vietnam’s total pangasius fillet export value. May recorded the highest monthly export value of the year at 38 million USD, up 27% from May 2024.

Notably, processed pangasius under HS code 16 showed remarkable growth, reaching over 8 million USD in the first five months - nearly nine times higher than the same period last year and comprising 39% of Vietnam’s total processed pangasius exports. Although the export value remains modest, the consistent and strong growth across months indicates significant potential in this segment.

Additionally, dried pangasius and other frozen products recorded positive growth, reaching nearly $3 million - a 66% increase compared to the same period last year.

However, the potential imposition of a 20% tariff by the U.S starting August 1, 2025 has prompted many Vietnamese businesses to limit new orders and accelerate deliveries. Several companies have shifted toward deeply processed, high-quality products to enhance value and mitigate the risk of price hikes after the tariff takes effect.

News of the proposed tariff has prompted U.S importers to intensify "early stockpiling," placing orders ahead of the deadline. This partly explains why pangasius export turnover to the U.S. continued to surge in the early summer, despite looming risks in the near future.

Source: VGP