Vietnam's pangasius exports to the Middle East are showing positive signs of recovery in 2026, particularly in Saudi Arabia. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's pangasius exports to the region reached USD 113 million in the first eight months of 2026, representing a 7% increase compared to the same period last year.
This trend indicates a gradual improvement in pangasius import demand across the Middle East, creating new trade opportunities for Vietnamese seafood suppliers and exporters.
With a wide range of pangasius processing specifications and other frozen seafood products, Hieu Nam International offers sourcing options for seafood importers and distributors in the Middle East.
According to a report published by VASEP on October 15, 2026, Vietnam's pangasius exports to the Middle East have shown positive developments following a slowdown in March 2026.
In August 2026 alone, export turnover reached USD 20 million, up 24% year-on-year, indicating a gradual improvement in import demand across the region.
Among Middle Eastern markets, Saudi Arabia remains the leading destination for Vietnamese pangasius.
Key figures include:
USD 37 million: Vietnam's pangasius exports to Saudi Arabia in the first eight months of 2026, up 52% year-on-year.
USD 7 million: Export value in August 2026 alone, representing a 93% increase compared to August 2025.
With its substantial import volume and remarkable growth rate, Saudi Arabia has become the primary growth driver for Vietnamese pangasius exports to the Middle East.
However, according to VASEP, the recovery remains uneven across the region. Several other Middle Eastern markets still account for relatively small import volumes and have yet to show clear signs of recovery.
This highlights the importance for seafood exporters to closely monitor demand in individual countries and adjust their product offerings and supply strategies to meet specific market requirements.
Supported by Vietnam's well-developed aquaculture and seafood processing industry, Vietnamese pangasius offers a wide range of sourcing options for seafood importers in the Middle East.
Pangasius is available in various processing formats, including fillets, steaks, whole fish, and butterfly cuts, serving different needs across retail distribution, food processing, and foodservice sectors.
This product versatility allows importers to select suitable specifications based on consumer preferences, customer segments, and the requirements of individual markets.
Hieu Nam International supplies a diverse range of frozen seafood products from Vietnam, with pangasius as one of its key product categories, alongside tilapia, keski, and shrimp.
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Pangasius is one of the core product categories in Hieu Nam International's seafood portfolio, available in various processing specifications to serve importers, distributors, and food processing businesses.
Hieu Nam International's pangasius product range includes:
Pangasius Fillet Well-Trimmed: Carefully trimmed pangasius fillets with unwanted portions removed according to finished product specifications.
Pangasius Fillet Semi-Trimmed: Partially trimmed pangasius fillets suitable for different processing requirements.
Pangasius Fillet Untrimmed: Untrimmed pangasius fillets intended for further preparation or processing.
Pangasius Fillet Skin-On: Pangasius fillets with the skin retained.
Pangasius Slice/Cube: Pangasius cut into slices or cubes for convenient food preparation and processing.
Pangasius Steak: Pangasius cut into steaks, suitable for distribution and food processing applications.
Pangasius HGT (Headed, Gutted, Tail-Off): Pangasius with the head, internal organs, and tail removed.
Pangasius Butterfly: Butterfly-cut pangasius, processed with the body opened out.
Pangasius Whole Round: Whole pangasius with the head and internal organs intact.
With a variety of processing specifications, Hieu Nam International helps international buyers select pangasius products that meet their sourcing and distribution requirements.
Product sizes, weights, packaging options, and quality specifications can be discussed based on individual order requirements and the processing facilities' capabilities.
In addition to pangasius, Hieu Nam International supplies other frozen seafood products, providing international importers with additional sourcing options.
Tilapia – Frozen Tilapia
We supply frozen Black Tilapia for food distribution and processing applications.
Keski – Freshwater Fish
A freshwater fish product in Hieu Nam International's portfolio, available for international buyers seeking seafood supplies from Vietnam.
Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp products for seafood importers, distributors, and food processing businesses.
Hieu Nam International is a Vietnam-based frozen seafood supplier and exporter, founded by a team with 20 years of experience in the seafood industry.
With a diverse product portfolio and an established network of partners in Vietnam, Hieu Nam International welcomes opportunities to connect with seafood importers in the Middle East and discuss their frozen seafood sourcing requirements.
Contact Hieu Nam International to explore our frozen seafood products and discuss your sourcing requirements.
Reference: Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP)
