In the first 8 months of 2016, imports of frozen pangasius fillets totaled 50,000 MT. This was the largest import volume from the last 3 years. However, the average import price into the market in the first half of this year were the lowest, ranging from US$2.6-2.7/kg.
According to the ITC, in the first 9 months of 2016, Vietnam claimed as the 2nd largest supplier of whitefish products to the U.S. (behind China), accounting for 15-28% of total whitefish imports into the country.
So far, Vietnam’s pangasius still had to strongly compete with tilapia and cod in the market. In which, Chinese tilapia, including frozen tilapia fillets (HS code 030461) and fresh/chilled tilapia fillets (HS code 030431), made up 24-45% of total whitefish imports into the U.S. Meanwhile, imports of frozen pangasius and catfish fillets (HS code 030462) picked up the 2nd largest share of 19-26%.

According to the latest figures from the National Marine Fisheries Service America (NMFS), in Jan-Aug 2016, tilapia imports into the U.S decreased by 9% in volume (134.8 thousand MT) and 20% in value (US$528.1 million) over the same period last year.
The U.S mainly imported frozen tilapia fillets, however, in the period, the import volume of this item fell by 15% in volume to 88,148 MT and 24% in value to US$360 million. Most of frozen tilapia fillets to the U.S. came from China. Imports of fresh tilapia fillets remained stable in volume but down 15% in the import value compared with the same period last year.
Through Oct 2016, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the U.S. valued at US$319.8 million, accounting for 23% of total exports and increasing by 22.7% over the same period last year. In Oct 2016, exports to this market registered the good growth of 19% compared to the same period in 2015. So far, the USDA Catfish Inspection program has not affected much on Vietnam’s export activities yet.
Also according to the NMFS, the imports volume of pangasius into the U.S. in Jan-Aug this year reached 87.9 thousand MT, up 17%; worth by US$265 million, up 9% from the same period last year. Of that, about 96% of total imports are frozen pangasius fillets from Vietnam, with the volume of 84.5 thousand MT (up 19%) and value of US$242.5 million (up 11%).
Thus, in the first 8 months of 2016, imports of Chinese tilapia fell while those of Vietnam’s pangasius rose, which was favorable signs for Vietnam’s pangasius in the U.S. this year.
Written by Ta Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
Source: Vasep