rch 15th 2014, Vietnamese pangasius exports to the U.S. had a worth of US$73.1 million, up 17.4 percent year on year, according to Vietnam Customs. The U.S. remained Vietnam's largest pangasius importer with a proportion of 21.4 percent in total sales abroad.At the time being, the supply of raw pangasius in Vietnam is stable though the fish production is predicted to be lower compared to that of last year. Some Vietnamese companies say that pangasius imported into the U.S. rose 15 cents compared to quotation in early 2014 because of higher price for domestic raw pangasius.
Through February 2014, pangasius from Vietnam was US$2.93 per kilogram, down 2 percent year on year.
In late March, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced its final results of the ninth administrative reviews from July 31, 2011 to August 1, 2012 (POR9) on the antidumping duty on certain frozen pangasius fillets from Vietnam. Some Vietnamese pangasius exporters with the low antidumping rate still keep their fish selling to this market in the coming time. Those who are suffering higher antidumping duty, may find hard to keep fish sales there.
In March, Vietnamese Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and some Vietnamese seafood companies participated in the 2014 Seafood Expo North America in Boston (Massachusetts, the U.S.) with an aim to display and promote their high quality seafood products to American and international visitors. The objective is to find potential partners and expand markets for Vietnamese seafood products. Some Vietnamese exhibitors said that pangasius inventories of the U.S would fall down and the market will have rising demand for this kind of fish in late of 2014. The U.S. seafood market is predicted to be on positive trend in 2014. According to a survey by Progressive Grocer magazine (PG), the 2013 was a successful year for the U.S. seafood retail chain in terms of volume and value. 2014 shows positive predictions for retail sales. The U.S. will also have stronger demand for wild caught-fish, sustainable products and seasonal products.
The United States' Food & Drug Administration's Dietary Guidelines have also boosted demand when recommending that 20 percent of protein intake come from seafood. Health-conscious consumers recognize fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients and are an important part of a healthful diet.
Restaurateurs and researchers in the United States confirm that consumers are showing more interest in certain types of fish and shellfish. More than 80 seafood items that are appearing on more menus now versus a year ago.
