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.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) While Vietnam’s shrimp exports to many major markets continued to post positive growth in the first months of 2026, exports to the United States declined, highlighting growing competitive pressures and trade barriers facing the Vietnamese shrimp industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Egypt is emerging as one of the most promising destinations for Vietnamese tuna exports in 2026. During the first four months of the year, export turnover to this market exceeded USD 7.3 million, marking a sharp increase compared to the same period over the previous two years. As Egypt’s tuna imports continue to recover and demand for canned tuna remains strong, the market is becoming increasingly attractive for Vietnamese tuna processors and exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) During the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to CPTPP member countries reached nearly USD 128 million, accounting for 18% of the country’s total pangasius export value and increasing by 21% compared to the same period in 2025. Demand patterns varied significantly across the bloc: Mexico primarily imported fresh and frozen pangasius products, while Japan and Canada recorded substantial shares of processed products. Australia remained focused on frozen fillets but continued to maintain a portion of processed imports.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Despite the slow recovery of the U.S. market and continued trade-related challenges facing Vietnam’s shrimp industry, Minh Phu Seafood Corporation (MPC) has set ambitious targets for 2026. The company aims to produce 68,800 metric tons of finished shrimp products, generate consolidated revenue of VND 19.9 trillion, and achieve VND 1.059 trillion in pre-tax profit. If achieved, these figures would represent the highest revenue and profit levels in the company’s history.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) HungHau Foods Joint Stock Company (HungHau Foods) has been honored at the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Forum, receiving two prestigious awards: “Top 10 Outstanding Asia-Pacific Enterprises 2026” and “Top 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs” awarded to HungHau Foods CEO, Ms. Nguyen Yen.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a period of sluggish imports in 2025, the Chinese market has returned with strong shrimp purchasing momentum in the first months of 2026. However, alongside rising demand comes an increasingly stringent import control system, covering quarantine requirements, food safety standards, registration procedures, and traceability. This makes China a market that offers both significant opportunities and growing risks for Vietnamese shrimp exporters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Recently, in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a workshop to announce the results of the project “Food Loss Assessment in the Pangasius Value Chain in the Mekong River Region.” The project aims to provide scientific evidence to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pangasius industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Shrimp prices in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta have recovered since early May, helping to improve farmers’ confidence and accelerate stocking activities for the 2026 farming season. However, farmers remain cautious due to rising input costs, unfavorable weather conditions, and disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 27, the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with trade promotion agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries, organized the online seminar “Vietnam–India Seafood Trade Forum and Supply-Demand Connectivity 2026.” The event aimed to promote trade cooperation, investment, and seafood supply chain connectivity between Vietnam and India amid the ongoing restructuring of global markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In recent years, Ninh Binh Province has intensified the application of science and technology in aquaculture in order to improve productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.
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