According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the U.S. decision to suspend the retaliatory tariffs for 90 days has created a positive impact on Vietnam’s export market — particularly for Vietnamese pangasius (tra fish).
A “Golden Window” for Negotiation
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VASEP stated that the suspension offers a psychological boost to exporters and serves as a “golden window” for Vietnam and the U.S. to continue negotiations toward extending the suspension — or ideally, eliminating the tariffs entirely.
The 90-day postponement also provides an opportunity for exporters to accelerate shipments that had been delayed prior to the April 9 tax deadline, minimizing inventory risks. During this period, businesses can restructure supply chains, diversify markets, and strengthen resilience against long-term trade war scenarios.
Positive Response from Vietnamese Exporters
According to Duong Quoc Nghia, Chairman of the Vietnam Pangasius Association, most Vietnamese seafood exporters resumed contracts with U.S. partners immediately after the announcement.
Companies are now focusing on fulfilling pending orders quickly. The current export price of pangasius to the U.S. is around USD 3.4/kg. Even with the base retaliatory tax of 10%, Vietnamese pangasius products remain highly competitive.
Major exported products include:
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Frozen pangasius fillets,
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Battered pangasius finger fillets,
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Breaded fried pangasius,
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Sliced and nugget-style pangasius (HS code 16041990).
Potential Risks Still Exist
Despite the positive developments, VASEP experts urge caution.
According to Thu Hang, VASEP’s pangasius market analyst, “This tax is only temporarily suspended. There’s no guarantee it will be removed or even reduced in the future.”
She emphasized that U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump remains unpredictable, capable of abrupt reversals that could shock global markets — including the Vietnamese seafood industry.
VASEP warned that the ongoing trade tensions will have long-term effects on global supply chains, raw material costs, and financial markets — impacting Vietnam’s seafood exports.
Adapting Strategy for Market Resilience
With Vietnam’s highly open economy, any U.S. tariff fluctuation could trigger a domino effect across industries.
Therefore, exporters are advised to:
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Accelerate shipments to the U.S. within the 90-day window to avoid future tariff risks.
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Expand and diversify export destinations, targeting ASEAN, the Middle East, and other emerging markets.
While challenges remain, Vietnam’s strategic partnership with the U.S., combined with its dominant pangasius supply, ensures continued opportunities.
Competitive Edge Over China’s Tilapia
Currently, Vietnam is the largest pangasius supplier to the U.S., and American consumers have grown familiar with its flavor and texture. Meanwhile, China — the world’s largest tilapia producer — faces record-high tariffs, making its products more expensive in the U.S.
This situation presents a strategic advantage for Vietnamese pangasius, potentially allowing it to gain market share if Chinese tilapia prices continue to rise and Vietnam–U.S. trade relations remain stable.
Export Performance
According to Vietnam Customs, in the first half of March 2025, pangasius exports to the U.S. reached USD 13 million, down 6% year-on-year.
However, as of March 15, 2025, the U.S. remained Vietnam’s second-largest pangasius market (after China), totaling USD 52 million, up 10% year-on-year.
Conclusion: Navigating Risks, Seizing Opportunities
To stay competitive, VASEP recommends that exporters:
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Diversify export markets,
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Invest in technology and quality improvement,
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Reduce production costs, and
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Strengthen brand positioning — even under higher tariff conditions.
If managed strategically, the temporary tariff suspension could become a catalyst for long-term growth in Vietnam’s pangasius industry.