In 2023, EU consumes the most tilapia from Vietnam, with 2 million USD, down 34% compared to 2022. The fourth quarter of 2023 recorded the highest value of this market when it increased continuous positive growth for all 3 months, after a consecutive decline in the first 9 months of the year. Of which, the Netherlands contributes nearly half of total Vietnamese tilapia exports to the EU. In 2023, cumulative pangasius exports to the Netherlands reached more than 1 million USD, an increase of 10% compared to 2022.
Behind the EU, the US consumed nearly 1 million USD in 2023, down 71% compared to 2022. This market fluctuated erratically in 2023. In the last month of 2023, the US suddenly increased tilapia imports. Tilapia export turnover to the US in December 2023 reached more than 200 thousand USD, up 78% over the same period, while the previous month this country had almost no imports.
Frozen tilapia is a favorite product among consumers in the US. In the first 11 months of 2023, the US imported 84,822 tons of frozen tilapia fillets from around the world, an increase of 13% over the same period. China is the world's largest supplier of tilapia and the largest one for the US. Vietnamese tilapia in the US is difficult to compete with Chinese tilapia because Vietnam's average price is much higher, even though it is on a downward trend.
In addition, Vietnamese tilapia exports to some other markets also witnessed negative growth, such as Japan decreasing by 62%, Belgium decreasing by 56%, Italy decreasing by 38%, and the UK decreasing by 85%.
Tilapia is a fast-growing farmed species with increased production. Currently, tilapia products originating from China and Taiwan are dominating the global market. Although Vietnam's tilapia export turnover is still modest, there has been a positive growth trend in the past few years.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports sustained their upward trajectory in August 2026, though the pace remained modest at just 2%. The month saw divergent trends across key markets: the US maintained its leading position, Japan and Canada improved, Russia surged and the EU continued to experience a steep downturn. These developments suggest that exporters are entering the final months of the year amid a market environment marked by greater uncertainty.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Congalsa has acquired the entire charter capital of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, giving it full ownership of the business and its Nam Dinh processing facility.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ninh Binh Province is entering a peak period of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, focusing on thoroughly addressing violations, closely monitoring fishing vessels at ports and preventing vessels from violating regulations and operating illegally in foreign waters ahead of the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming inspection in 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) The application of biotechnology in seed production is increasingly viewed as a strategic imperative to upgrade pangasius fingerling quality, optimize farming efficiency and anchor sustainable industry development.
(vasep.com.vn) On September 15, 2026, in Can Tho, VASEP and ASC jointly organized a training course titled “New ASC standards: updates and practical implementation guidance for farms, businesses and aquafeed mills”. Beyond briefing stakeholders on updated ASC requirements for aquaculture facilities and feed production, the workshop dedicated substantial floor time to directly addressing on-the-ground compliance bottlenecks encountered by Vietnamese enterprises.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese tilapia is moving into a higher-value segment as brackish-water farmed fish from the Mekong Delta is now being processed for sashimi and exported regularly to Japan.
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