Brazil remains the leading market in February
Brazil continued to be the largest importer, with USD 4 million, accounting for nearly 50% of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value for the month. Demand in this market remained strong, particularly for frozen tilapia fillets serving domestic consumption.
In February, tilapia exports to the United States reached USD 852,000, making up 10% of total exports. Despite a 49% decline year-on-year, the U.S. remained an important market, especially for processed tilapia products.
Exports to Russia ranked third with USD 911,000, accounting for 11% of total export value and rising 114% year-on-year. Saudi Arabia followed in fourth place with USD 833,000, representing nearly 10% of total exports.
Several markets post exceptional growth in the first two months of 2026
The Dominican Republic stood out, with total imports reaching USD 940,000, up 635% compared to the same period last year, emerging as a promising destination for Vietnamese tilapia in the Caribbean region. In Malaysia, exports totaled USD 374,000, up 405% year-on-year, reflecting rising demand in Southeast Asia, particularly for frozen fillet products.The Netherlands also recorded strong growth, reaching USD 274,000, up over 220% year-on-year, and is considered a key gateway for deeper penetration into the European market. Notably, exports to the UAE reached USD 119,000, surging significantly compared to the previous year, highlighting strong potential in the Middle East market.
Broad-based growth across regional markets
By region, Vietnam’s tilapia exports in the first two months of 2026 expanded across most markets. The Middle East reached USD 2 million, skyrocketing 2,356% year-on-year, making it one of the fastest-growing regions. The EU recorded USD 1.2 million, up 63%, reflecting demand for alternatives to traditional whitefish. Meanwhile, CPTPP markets reached USD 1 million, up 59%, and ASEAN totaled USD 385,000, up 395% year-on-year.
Outlook shaped by global trade dynamics
In the first two months of the year, global seafood trade was influenced by U.S. tariff policies and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. For tilapia specifically, potential U.S. tariff reductions on certain seafood products may allow Brazilian and Chinese tilapia to regain market share in the near term. At the same time, both countries are actively expanding exports to the EU, where demand for whitefish products is expected to remain strong.
In this context, Vietnamese tilapia currently has limited competitive advantages in the EU market. In the U.S., high inventory levels from previous months may slow import demand in the short term. On the other hand, several Middle Eastern markets are showing positive growth signals for Vietnamese tilapia. However, elevated logistics costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the region could affect the sustainability and expansion of exports to these markets in the long run.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.
(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
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