Vietnamese Tilapia Continues to Expand Strongly Across Markets
By market, Brazil remained the largest destination, with export value reaching USD 7 million, accounting for 49% of total exports in March. The United States ranked second with USD 4 million, representing 28%, up 16% year-on-year. Together, these two markets accounted for 77% of total exports, indicating a high level of dependence on key markets.
Meanwhile, several markets posted remarkable growth. Exports to Saudi Arabia reached USD 840 thousand, up 563%, while the Dominican Republic recorded USD 451 thousand, up 134%. In Asia, Japan reached USD 418 thousand, up 110%, and Malaysia reached USD 398 thousand, up 406%, showing rapidly rising demand for tilapia products.
Other markets such as Belgium recorded USD 301 thousand, up 15%, while South Korea reached USD 132 thousand, down 31%. Emerging markets like Papua New Guinea and Colombia recorded export values of USD 101 thousand and USD 99 thousand, respectively.
By market bloc, exports to CPTPP countries in March 2026 reached USD 1 million, accounting for 7% of total exports, up 29% year-on-year. Exports to the Middle East reached USD 878 thousand, accounting for 6%, up sharply by 460%, while ASEAN reached USD 435 thousand, accounting for 3%, up 433%. In contrast, exports to the European Union reached USD 516 thousand, accounting for 4%, down 14%.
Growth Driven by Key Markets
Overall, tilapia exports in March 2026 recorded strong growth, with the main drivers being Brazil and the United States, which together accounted for 77% of total export value. Growth in these two markets played a decisive role in the sector’s overall performance. Meanwhile, other markets such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Japan saw impressive growth rates—many exceeding 100%—but their relatively small scale limited their overall contribution.
Although still modest in share, these emerging markets are considered to have strong potential in the long-term development strategy, helping Vietnam’s tilapia sector gradually reduce its dependence on a few major markets and enhance export sustainability. However, in the short term, rapid expansion into these markets remains constrained by production capacity and export capabilities. Currently, many Vietnamese enterprises continue to focus on expanding their presence in the U.S.—a large and stable market. In the long run, however, market diversification will be essential to ensure sustainable growth for Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
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