Brazil — the key market, accounting for more than half of total exports
Brazil continued to be Vietnam’s largest tilapia import market with an overwhelming share. In April 2026, exports to Brazil reached USD 6 million, accounting for 61% of total export turnover. Cumulative exports to this market in the first four months reached USD 26 million, representing 54% of the industry’s total exports, making Brazil the largest market in Vietnam’s tilapia export structure. However, Vietnamese tilapia exporters still need to remain cautious regarding technical and regulatory barriers imposed by different Brazilian states, as well as increasing competition from Brazil’s domestic tilapia industry.
The U.S. — second-largest market but facing significant pressure
The United States ranked second among export markets, but recorded less favorable performance in April. Export turnover in April reached only USD 2 million, down sharply by 42% year-on-year, mainly due to the impact of tariff policies and intense price competition in this market. Cumulative exports through April 2026 reached USD 10 million, up slightly by 3% compared to the same period last year, indicating that earlier months of the year still partially offset the sharp decline seen in April.
Potential markets continue strong growth momentum
Saudi Arabia recorded the most impressive growth rate among the top five markets. In April 2026, exports to this market reached USD 400 thousand, up 33% year-on-year.
The Dominican Republic also maintained positive growth momentum. Export turnover in April 2026 reached USD 300 thousand, up 23% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first four months reached USD 2 million, up 204%, showing that beyond Brazil, other Latin American markets are gradually expanding consumption of Vietnamese tilapia, creating a foundation for broader market diversification within the region.
Belgium emerged as the most notable EU market during the month, with April exports reaching USD 300 thousand, up 102% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of 2026 alone, exports to Belgium reached USD 1 million, up 30%. Total exports to the EU during the same period reached USD 2 million, up 23%, indicating that demand in Europe is showing positive signs and gradually expanding.
The export performance of Vietnamese tilapia in the first four months of 2026 reflects remarkable growth, with total export value rising by 151%. However, the heavy concentration on Brazil represents a structural risk that requires attention, especially as the country is adjusting policies related to tilapia imports. The sharp decline in exports to the U.S. in April also highlights the need for close monitoring in the coming months. On the positive side, strong growth in Saudi Arabia and the Dominican Republic signals promising opportunities for market diversification throughout the rest of 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports are heading towards $12 billion this year, potentially the highest level on record. Yet one of the country’s export strengths is facing a growing list of challenges.
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