Brazil remains the leading market
Brazil continued to play a prominent role in Vietnam’s tilapia export structure. In August alone, export value to this market reached US$4 million. In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Brazil totaled US$44 million, surging 22,142% year-on-year.
This exceptional increase mainly reflects the rapid expansion of export volumes from a low base in the same period last year. Brazil now accounts for nearly half of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value in the first eight months, making it one of the key markets for the product.
U.S. market remains under pressure
In the United States, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached US$2 million in August, down 72% year-on-year. During the first eight months, export value totaled US$21 million, down 48%.
U.S. demand has yet to show a clear recovery, while relatively high inventory levels have made importers more cautious about new purchases. This situation continues to weigh on Vietnamese tilapia exports to one of the major consumer markets.
Middle East and Japan show positive signals
In Saudi Arabia, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached US$2 million in August, up 20% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first eight months reached US$7 million, up 23%. Saudi Arabia remained a key contributor to the Middle Eastern market, with total exports to the region reaching US$7 million, up 23%.
Japan, meanwhile, recorded notable growth in August, with export value reaching US$400,000, up 192% year-on-year. In the first eight months, exports to Japan totaled US$2 million, up 77%.
Notably, Vietnamese brackish-water tilapia has begun entering Japan’s sushi and sashimi segments. Meeting stringent requirements for product quality, farming-water control, traceability and processing for these segments demonstrates the potential to expand the value-added applications of Vietnamese tilapia, rather than competing primarily in mainstream segments.
Markets continue to expand
Beyond individual markets, several regions also recorded positive results. In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to CPTPP markets reached US$6 million, up 50%, with Japan and Mexico making significant contributions. Exports to the EU reached US$4 million, up 7%, with Belgium serving as the main growth driver.
In Europe, relatively limited supplies and higher prices for wild-caught whitefish are creating additional room for farmed species that can provide stable supplies. Tilapia could be considered as an alternative raw material in certain segments, particularly when it can meet requirements for quality, specifications and certification.
Quality remains key
The first eight-month results show that Vietnamese tilapia is gradually expanding its market reach. However, heavy dependence on several markets and the sharp decline in exports to the U.S. also indicate that the sector continues to face considerable market volatility.
The entry of Vietnamese tilapia into Japan’s sushi and sashimi segments could open new development opportunities not only in Japan but also in other high-standard markets. To sustain current growth, exporters need to maintain strict quality control from farming areas through processing, meet international certification requirements, ensure traceability and further leverage the advantages of brackish-water tilapia.
Building a strong reputation for Vietnamese tilapia will also require a gradual approach based on consistent quality, reliable supply and products tailored to the specific needs of each market. These will provide the foundation for Vietnamese tilapia to move beyond export growth and establish a more sustainable position in the international market.
(searfood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to post positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone stood at US$11 million, down 8%, reflecting uneven market developments. Brazil remained the leading market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia products.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year on year. However, growth has begun to slow and become more differentiated across markets, while the U.S. and EU continue to present significant challenges. The latest insights from the Global Shrimp Forum 2026 (GSF 2026), held in early September, also indicate that the final months of the year will remain highly competitive as global supply continues to expand and buyers increasingly focus on quality, product specifications, supply stability and the ability to meet market-specific demand.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In August 2026, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $1.14 billion, up 6% year on year. Cumulative eight-month exports rose 11.8% to $8.00 billion, though momentum has cooled compared to the 12.8% growth seen through July. China - Hong Kong and ASEAN are offsetting weakness in the U.S, EU and partly Japan. This divergence will likely widen in Q4 as trade tariffs and traceability requirements directly weigh on new orders.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam–Russia relations are entering a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity. Against this backdrop, tuna is emerging as one of the seafood products with significant growth potential in the Russian market. Export data for the first seven months of 2026 show strong growth in Vietnamese tuna exports to Russia. However, turning this momentum into sustainable market share will require businesses to address challenges related to logistics, payment and supply competition.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese tilapia is moving into a higher-value segment as brackish-water farmed fish from the Mekong Delta is now being processed for sashimi and exported regularly to Japan.
(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(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.
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