The price increase for Urner Barry quotations of 3-5 oz frozen tilapia fillets was the first jump since the beginning of July. Last week’s closing average price for the item was $2.35 lb about 24 percent higher compared to year ago levels and just shy of the five-year-high price reached in late 2010.
Importers said the summer price hike is a result of higher overseas replacement costs—or the import price per pound. According to Urner Barry’s latest Aquaculture Insider’s Report, overseas replacement costs in June were $2.05 per pound up 10 percent compared to the start of the year and the highest such value since May 2011.
The hike in replacement costs coincides with a 20 percent decline in US tilapia imports that have fallen to 140.9 million lbs; a near 40 million lb difference compared to year ago levels. The steep drop in frozen fillet imports is heavily attributed to a drop in Chinese imports—the top supplier to the US.
For example, YTD US imports of frozen Chinese tilapia fillets are down just over 20 percent to 124.5 million lbs.
According to one major importer, China’s production woes are a result of massive 2012 buying when US importers jumped on a glut of cheap tilapia last summer that drove US imports up 65 percent compared with 2011.
This jump on summer orders saw replacement costs—or the import value per pound—plummet from $1.94/lb in May 2012 to $1.75 in October of that year.
However, this ‘emptying of the ponds’ last year caused demand to exceed supply in 2013 which forced overseas replacement costs soaring 17 percent from $1.75 to the aforementioned $2.05/lb.
At the same time, higher replacement costs were met with increased production costs namely with feed prices. For example, CME Futures Prices for soybean meal are currently 10 percent above levels recorded in January 2011 and importers said these increased costs have pushed Chinese tilapia farmers out of the business, unable to produce under tighter margins.
And even though frozen tilapia fillet imports to the US typically follow a seasonal trend, peaking in January, bottoming out in March and steadily increasing through the remainder of the year. Importers said China’s overall supply base is significantly shorter in 2013 than in years past which is likely to result in less tilapia fillet imports to the US for the remainder of the year.
As the industry rounds out the third quarter, US importers are currently taking buying positions from overseas packers. And as importers head into the latter part of the year, further price hikes may be on the horizon amid China’s decreased production in tandem with a seasonal buying period ahead of the Chinese New Year.
On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will host Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.” The summit will discuss market scenarios and strategic options to help Vietnam’s seafood industry unlock new growth opportunities, increase export value, and strengthen its competitiveness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the EU reached more than USD 4 million, up 2% year on year. The EU accounted for 4% of total tilapia export value, ranking behind major markets such as Brazil, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the CPTPP bloc.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2026, in Hanoi, Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), was awarded the Top 30 Outstanding Cultural and Reputable Enterprises of 2026 certificate by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). This group represents the most distinguished companies among the 100 enterprises honored at the “Cultural and Reputable Enterprises 2026” announcement ceremony.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU reached approximately $148 million, up 12% compared to the same period in 2025. In September 2026 alone, export turnover to this market hit $18 million, a 27% year-on-year increase. Despite diverging demand across member states, the EU remains a market with growth potential for Vietnamese pangasius, particularly as supplies of several traditional whitefish species face mounting pressure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the US are showing a clear recovery after a difficult start to the year. However, the rebound is taking place against a backdrop of declining US tuna imports and a shifting supply structure, posing new challenges for Vietnamese businesses.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to Japan reached US$440.9 million, up 6.4% year on year. This result is noteworthy as Japan’s total shrimp imports continued to decline slightly and competition among suppliers intensified. Demand for convenience foods and processed products continues to create opportunities for Vietnamese exporters, but capitalizing on these opportunities requires stronger competitiveness and the ability to meet increasingly specific market requirements.
(vasep.com.vn) After slowing in the first months of the year, Vietnam’s tuna exports have shown a clear improvement since June 2026. However, behind September’s double-digit growth lies a notable reality: export value is recovering, but pressures from markets, trade policies, and competition among suppliers remain.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value reached US$1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 11% year on year. In September alone, exports totaled US$210 million, an increase of 16%. China, the United States, and Brazil were the three largest markets, accounting for 49% of total export value. While China and Brazil maintained their growth momentum, exports to the US remained below the level recorded in the same period last year.
(vasep.com.vn) On November 11, 2026, in Can Tho, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) will organize the Vietnam Seafood Summit 2026 (VSS 2026) under the theme “Seafood Market Outlook 2027–2029: Opportunities and Headroom for Double-Digit Export Growth.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Business leader Do Ngoc Tai, General Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, was honored by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) with the title “Outstanding Vietnamese Entrepreneur – Thanh Giong Cup 2026” at a ceremony celebrating Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day (October 13). The event took place on the evening of October 11, 2026, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.
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