According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam is gradually becoming an important supplier of tilapia in the global supply chain. Effectively taking advantage of market fluctuations, expanding farming areas, and improving product quality have helped Vietnamese tilapia gain recognition on the world seafood map, especially amid rising demand.
Vietnamese tilapia products are now present in many regions, including the US, the EU, South Korea, the Middle East, ASEAN, and Japan. Among them, the US is the key market, accounting for a large share of total export value thanks to stable demand and well-defined standards, creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to elevate product value.
According to VASEP experts, the growth in global tilapia output, along with a consumer trend favoring environmentally friendly products, is opening opportunities for Vietnam to build a tilapia brand with its own identity. Beyond filling short-term supply gaps, Vietnam can fully aim to become a strategic, sustainable, and high-value supplier in the long run.
The advantages of Vietnamese tilapia come from improved farming techniques, self-reliant broodstock production, adherence to international quality standards, and low farming costs that enhance competitiveness. In addition, stable production and consistent delivery capability are factors that earn domestic enterprises high recognition from international partners.
Tilapia meat – Nutrition comparable to salmon
Among freshwater fish species, tilapia is considered a rich and healthy source of protein. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of tilapia contains up to 26 grams of protein and only 128 calories. This protein content is even higher than that of many saltwater fish, including salmon (20 grams per 100 grams of fish). This is why tilapia is increasingly favored in weight-loss, muscle-building, and healthy-eating diets.
The fish is also very low in fat—only around 3 grams, primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—types proven to benefit heart health by helping control cholesterol and stabilize blood pressure.
Nutrition experts note that this freshwater fish contains high-quality protein. Tilapia protein is easy to digest and suitable for all age groups, from children and the elderly to athletes.
A major advantage of tilapia is its low fat and cholesterol content, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood lipids. Although it is not as rich in omega-3 as salmon, tilapia still provides a moderate amount of omega-3 and omega-6, supporting brain function and reducing inflammation.
Tilapia is also rich in important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, niacin, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium—essential nutrients for the immune system, bones and joints, and metabolic processes. With its white flesh, few pin bones, and mild flavor, tilapia is suitable for a wide range of preparations: grilling, braising, steaming, pan-seared fillets, or sour soup.
Notably, tilapia is considered a safe choice for pregnant women. Its widespread farming and abundant supply help keep prices stable, making it easily accessible for all households.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first months of 2026, IUU prevention models focused on communication and mobilizing fishermen to comply with fisheries laws and avoid encroaching on foreign waters—related to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—have been implemented in coastal localities of Lam Dong province and have delivered initial positive results.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s crab exports reached nearly USD 86 million, up almost 6% compared to 2024. A notable feature of 2025 was the strong market concentration in the United States, which accounted for more than 81% of Vietnam’s total crab export value, up 10% from the previous year. In contrast, exports to several Asian markets declined significantly, resulting in only modest overall growth for the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded impressive growth, with total export turnover reaching over USD 99 million, highlighting the increasingly important role of this product in the country’s seafood export structure. Of this total, tilapia fillets and other fish meat products accounted for USD 61 million, representing 61% of total export value and reaffirming their position as the key product category.
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VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
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Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
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