According to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, in the first half of February 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Thailand reached over USD 3 million, up 280% year-on-year.
As of February 15, 2025, the cumulative export value to this market was USD 9 million, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Frozen Fillet Remains the Key Product
In January 2025, frozen pangasius fillet (HS code 0304) continued to be Vietnam’s main export product to Thailand, reaching nearly USD 5 million, down 6% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, value-added pangasius products saw a 32% decline, totaling USD 748,000, and other frozen pangasius products (such as whole fish, steaks, butterfly cuts, etc.) also dropped 16% to USD 991,000.
This slight decline aligns with the seasonal pattern of Vietnam’s pangasius exports during the Lunar New Year holiday, when production and logistics activities typically slow down.
Thailand – A Stable and Promising Market
Thailand remains one of the most stable growth markets for Vietnamese pangasius, with rising consumption supported by several favorable factors:
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High demand driven by a vibrant food service sector with diverse restaurants, hotels, and dining establishments. Vietnamese pangasius is popular in ready-to-eat meals, seafood buffets, and international-style restaurants.
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Geographical advantage: Close proximity reduces logistics costs and enhances price competitiveness compared to other suppliers.
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Tariff advantages under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) provide lower import taxes, giving Vietnamese pangasius a significant edge.
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Consumer preference: Thai consumers increasingly favor white fish species as alternatives to other seafood products with higher prices.
Outlook for 2025
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Thailand are expected to continue strong growth in 2025, thanks to high consumption demand, geographical convenience, and preferential trade policies.
To fully capitalize on this potential, Vietnamese enterprises should focus on:
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Diversifying product lines,
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Enhancing product quality, and
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Strengthening trade promotion and branding in the Thai market.