Exports up 54% in the first half of 2026
According to trade statistics, Vietnam's tilapia exports to Japan reached nearly USD 200,000 in June 2026, up 11% year-on-year. Cumulative exports for the first six months of the year totaled approximately USD 1.4 million, representing a 54% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Frozen tilapia fillets under HS code 0304 accounted for the largest share of exports, making up approximately 67% of total export value. Other frozen fish products under HS Chapter 03 represented 10%, while value-added products under HS Chapter 16 accounted for around 21%, with the remainder consisting of other product categories.
This export structure indicates that Vietnam's tilapia shipments to Japan remain heavily concentrated in frozen fillets, while demand for higher-value processed products has begun to emerge.
From a conventional whitefish to a sushi ingredient
One of the most notable milestones in 2026 has been the successful export of Vietnamese tilapia fillets to Japan for sushi and sashimi processing. After years of investment in farming and processing systems tailored to the premium value-added food segment, the products have received positive feedback from Japanese customers for both quality and taste.
To be used in sushi and sashimi, tilapia must comply with stringent requirements covering farming conditions, water quality, raw materials, processing, freezing technology, parasite control, food safety, and full traceability. The successful entry of Vietnamese products into this segment demonstrates that domestic producers are now capable of managing the entire production chain and meeting the rigorous standards of a high-end market.
The appearance of Vietnamese tilapia on sushi menus also helps reshape market perceptions of the species. Once regarded primarily as a whitefish exported in whole or frozen fillet form, tilapia is now being positioned as an ingredient for premium products that demand higher standards of quality, presentation, and culinary experience.
Creating new room for value-added products
Compared with the United States and Brazil—which currently account for a larger share of Vietnam's tilapia exports—Japan may not generate dramatic export volumes in the short term. However, the market's strategic value lies in its ability to establish benchmark quality standards and pave the way for premium processed seafood products.
Successfully exporting tilapia for sushi and sashimi not only increases the value generated from each unit of raw material but also creates opportunities for processors to develop a broader portfolio of products, including sliced fillets, portion-controlled packs, ready-to-eat items, seasoned products, and other value-added offerings.
The 54% export growth recorded in the first half of 2026, together with the shift toward frozen fillets and value-added products, suggests that Japan is opening a new avenue for Vietnam's tilapia industry. Beyond market expansion, this development marks an important step in the industry's transformation—from exporting conventional seafood products to supplying premium, high-value segments with stringent quality requirements.
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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