In January 2020, pangasius exports to most markets decreased sharply year on year. In particular, pangasius export to the US market this month has surpassed China – Hong Kong to become the largest importer of Vietnam with an export value of US$ 18.1 million, accounting for 17.8% of the total export value of pangasius.
In 2019, the US-China trade war did not bring benefits for Vietnamese enterprises at US market as forecasted. The US continued to impose high antidumping duties. Futhermore, inspection catfish program that list Vietnam as a country eligible to export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the US was released later than the US statement.