China dominates the industry but faces growing pressure to diversify markets
China remains the dominant force in the global tilapia industry. The country’s total tilapia supply reached approximately 2.1 million metric tons in 2025. Around 60% of production was exported, equivalent to about 1.1 million metric tons, and exports are expected to increase to 1.15 million metric tons in 2026.
In 2025, Chinese tilapia exports to the United States declined due to reciprocal tariffs and additional duties imposed on Chinese products. This created a market gap that Vietnam successfully leveraged to expand its presence in the US market. Although lower tariff rates in 2026 have facilitated the return of Chinese tilapia to the US, China is gradually shifting away from dependence on a single market toward a broader diversification strategy. Chinese tilapia exporters are actively expanding sales within the RCEP bloc while also viewing the European Union as a promising growth destination.
Brazil: Vietnam’s largest customer and a potential competitor
Brazil is the largest tilapia producer in the Americas, with production reaching approximately 707,500 metric tons in 2025, up nearly 7% from the previous year. While Brazil is currently Vietnam’s largest tilapia export market, accounting for more than 50% of total export value, it is also expanding its domestic production capacity.
The clearest sign of protectionism is Bill 6331/25, which has been approved by the Agriculture Committee of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies. The bill proposes banning tilapia imports to protect domestic producers. It is currently under review by additional committees before being submitted for a full congressional vote.
Egypt focuses on Middle Eastern export markets
Egypt is one of the world’s three largest tilapia producers, with output reaching 1.7 million metric tons in 2024, accounting for 99% of total production in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
According to the Egyptian Food Export Council (FEC), Egypt exported 17,000 metric tons of fresh and chilled tilapia in 2024, valued at USD 9.4 million. The country ranked second globally in this product segment, holding a 20% share of the world market.
The United Arab Emirates is Egypt’s largest export destination, accounting for 61% of export value, followed by Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia, and Libya. This indicates that Egypt is primarily focused on the Middle East and North Africa and does not directly compete with Vietnam in its traditional export markets. However, if Vietnam seeks to expand its presence in the Middle East, Egypt will be a competitor to watch closely.
As global demand for affordable whitefish continues to grow, competition in the international tilapia market is expected to intensify. Major producers are simultaneously expanding production capacity and strengthening their positions in key markets, creating both challenges and opportunities for Vietnam’s rapidly developing tilapia industry.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Japan are showing positive signals in 2026, indicating that the market is opening up greater opportunities for pangasius products, particularly processed and value-added products. In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to Japan reached US$31 million, up 20% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached approximately US$5 million, up 30%.
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(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.
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