UAE's Increasing Demand for Vietnamese Pangasius Drives Significant Export Growth in 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a primary market for Vietnamese pangasius, with Vietnam serving as the largest supplier, capturing 40 to 50% of the UAE's market share. Despite the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Trade Agreement—Vietnam's first free trade agreement with a country in the Middle East and Africa—yet to be signed, pangasius exports to the UAE have continued to thrive. According to Vietnam Customs data, on May-24, Vietnamese pangasius export turnover to the UAE exceeded USD 2 million, marking a 40% year-over-year (YoY) increase. Over the first five months of 2024, cumulative pangasius exports to the UAE surpassed USD 11 million, reflecting a 47% YoY rise. This growth underscores the strong acceptance and rising demand for Vietnamese pangasius in the UAE market.