Tilapia exports see triple-digit growth

Although tilapia is not yet a major export of the seafood industry, it witnessed robust growth in 2025. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in the first 11 months of 2025, Viet Nam's total tilapia export turnover reached nearly $70 million, up 198% over the same period in 2024. In November alone, export turnover exceeded $7 million.

With the remarkable growth mentioned above, Viet Nam is emerging as a new bright spot on the global tilapia map, successfully capitalizing on market fluctuations to expand production and exports.

Currently, Vietnamese tilapia is exported to numerous markets, with the United States serving as the key destination, accounting for a major share of total export turnover. Notably, beyond traditional markets, Vietnamese enterprises are aggressively pushing exports to other regions, including Brazil - a country that is itself a major producer and exporter of tilapia. Exporting to Brazil is a positive signal, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of Vietnamese tilapia amidst the ongoing restructuring of the global market.

VASEP predicts that in 2026, the global tilapia market will continue to see clear differentiation. Brazil is forecasted to ramp up tilapia exports to the EU market to leverage its ability to meet the region’s strict technical standards, food safety regulations, and sustainability certifications.

Meanwhile, with tariffs reduced from 55% to 45%, Chinese tilapia will become more competitive in the U.S. market (which accounts for 35% of China's tilapia export turnover) in 2026.

For Vietnamese tilapia, this new global landscape demands a more proactive and long-term strategy. Diversifying export markets to Europe, the Middle East, and South America is essential to reduce dependence on single markets. Simultaneously, seafood enterprises must develop value-added products, such as breaded, pre-processed, or conveniently packaged tilapia, to enhance overall export value.