According to Vietnam Customs data, as of July 15, 2025, exports of Vietnamese basa fish value-added products have reached USD 228 million, marking a 47% year-on-year increase. While traditional frozen fillets remain dominant, the rise of processed, premium, and ready-to-cook basa products is reshaping the sector’s export profile.
United States Leads the Surge
The United States has emerged as the largest buyer of Vietnam’s basa fish value-added products, with imports skyrocketing 5.5 times compared to last year.
- H1 2025 imports: Nearly USD 88 million (up 459% year-on-year)
- Share of total exports: 38%
- Q2 2025 alone: Over USD 50 million, up 332% year-on-year
This sharp growth reflects rising U.S. demand for convenient, ready-to-cook seafood amid shifting consumer habits.
Thailand Secures Second Place; Japan and Netherlands Diverge
Thailand ranked second with USD 44 million in imports in H1 2025, a 9% increase, accounting for 14% of total exports.
Other key markets showed mixed trends:
- UK: USD 22.2M (▼5%)
- Australia: USD 11.8M (▼14%)
- Japan: USD 11.7M (▲18%)
- Netherlands: USD 11.3M (▲2%)
- Malaysia: USD 8.865M (▼16%)
Small Markets Show Explosive Growth
Some smaller importers posted staggering increases:
- Sweden: ▲324%
- Cambodia: ▲232%
- China: ▲185%
- Canada: ▲164%
While their volumes are smaller, these markets represent high-potential growth segments for Vietnamese exporters.
Value-Added Products Gain Industry Significance
Despite representing just 2.5% of total basa fish exports, the growth rate of value-added products far outpaces the overall sector, positioning them as a key driver toward Vietnam’s USD 10 billion seafood export goal.
Week 32 Basa Fish Price Update (Vietnam & China)
Vietnam Farmgate Prices (Tangtou):
- Small sizes (800–1300g/tail): ▲300–500 VND/kg → 28,000–28,300 VND/kg
- Large sizes (>1300g/tail): ▼200 VND/kg → 29,000–29,500 VND/kg
China Domestic Prices: ▼0.1 yuan/kg
- 300–900g: 3.8 yuan/kg
- 900–1400g: 4.0 yuan/kg
China Market Still Weak
Despite impressive global gains, the Chinese market remains subdued. Demand recovery has been slow, and prices are under pressure due to increased domestic supply.
Industry analysts suggest the next phase will hinge on:
- Shifts in global demand structure
- Policy factors such as tariffs and exchange rates
- Continued expansion of high-margin, value-added products
Key Takeaway:
Vietnam’s basa fish sector is diversifying successfully into value-added products, with the U.S. driving record growth. However, exporters will need to closely monitor the sluggish Chinese market and global trade policies to sustain momentum.
Stay tuned with Ocean Treasure:
· LinkedIn: Ocean Treasure World Foods Limited: Overview | LinkedIn
· Facebook: Ocean Treasure | Facebook
· Instagram: Ocean Treasure | Instagram photos and videos
