Tilapia. Global tilapia supply is on the increase in 2012 with demand mainly coming from domestic and regional consumers in Asia, Africa and South America. During 2012, China is likely to export more to Africa and focus less on the US market.
Despite harsh weather conditions, Chinese export volumes of tilapia grew 2.3 percent with an increased value of 10 percent in 2011. Frozen fillet exports decreased 15 percent in volume, but this was somewhat compensated for by higher shipments of the cheaper whole frozen tilapia to African markets such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria and Benin. Average export prices strengthened to USD 1.88 per kg in 2011, up 13 percent.
United States imports of tilapia in 2011 declined for the first time in a decade, decreasing 10 percent to 192 900 tonnes, while the import value declined a marginal 0.5 percent, to USD 838 million, as tilapia suffers in the competition with the cheaper pangasius.
EU imports in 2011 saw a 1 percent increase, reaching 20 700 tonnes. China, EU’s main supplier, saw shipments decline slightly, but imports were higher from other Asian sources such as Viet Nam, Taiwan PC and Indonesia, which increased by 160 percent, 13 percent and 9 percent, respectively.
Large private sector investments into the sector are boosting production in a number of countries in the region, including Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Production is targeting both domestic consumption as well as export markets.
Nile perch in trouble
Nile perch. Nile perch exports to the EU from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, declined further in 2011 as catches kept falling. Sustainability continues to be an issue and enforcement remains a challenge.
Bass and bream supply tight
Bass and bream. Total supply of bass and bream was down almost 4 percent in 2011 and production is likely to fall again in 2012. Lower volume has caused prices to firm, but may scare off consumers in the long run. Prices remained relatively high during the first four months of 2012, especially for bass, and are expected to firm further over the next few months before the new supply reaches market size during summer. Bass and bream continue to perform well in newer markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, United States and the Russian Federation. Increased domestic consumption in Turkey, the second largest producer, has had a positive impact on the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, the U.S. whitefish market has shown complex developments as global cod supply continues to tighten, while the U.S. trade environment becomes less stable. In this context, the U.S. market has had to become more flexible in sourcing alternative whitefish. However, relying heavily on Alaska pollock is not a long-term solution, as it is a strictly managed fishery with quotas and sustainability regulations, limiting any rapid increase in output to offset cod shortages.
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