Product structure: Fillets as the primary growth driver
Regarding the product structure, the growth of Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the U.S in 2025 primarily concentrated in the tilapia fillet group. Export turnover of this product group to the U.S reached $40 million, surging 499% compared to 2024, becoming the largest contributing segment to the total tilapia export value to this market.
The strong expansion of tilapia fillets reflects consumption trends in the U.S, where convenient, easy-to-prepare and quality-stable products continue to be favored. Meanwhile, the fresh/frozen fish group maintained modest growth with turnover exceeding $13 million, up 4% year-on-year, playing a foundational segment in the export structure.
By contrast, exports of other processed tilapia products (HS16) and dried tilapia (HS0305) to the U.S recorded declines of 39% and 68%, respectively, compared to 2024. This indicates that in 2025, the U.S market focused more on frozen fillet products rather than deep-processed products or dried fish.
High tariffs on China and Brazil boost Vietnam’s presence in the U.S market
The growth of Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States has been closely linked to major fluctuations in global supply. China - the world’s largest producer and exporter of tilapia – continues to face high tariffs of up to 55%, significantly undermining the competitiveness of its tilapia in the U.S. market. Meanwhile, Brazil has also been subject to a high tariff rate of 50% since August 2025, forcing its enterprises to adjust their export strategies.
Against this backdrop, Vietnamese enterprises have swiftly seized the opportunity, ramping up investment in tilapia farming and processing, particularly frozen tilapia fillets that align with U.S market demand. Advantages in production costs, stable supply and the ability to flexibly meet technical requirements have helped Vietnamese tilapia increase its market share in the this market in 2025.
Outlook and development orientation
Although the U.S market continues to be assessed as a key destination in the short term, heavy reliance on a single market also poses potential risks in the face of trade policy changes. As Brazil increasingly redirects its exports toward the EU market to offset reduced access to the U.S market, Vietnam needs to continue improving product quality and meeting international certifications and sustainability standards if it wants the tilapia industry to develop sustainably.
At the same time, continued investment in broodstock improvement, farming technologies and value-added processing will be a critical foundation for Vietnam’s tilapia sector to both effectively capitalize on opportunities in the U.S market and gradually expand into demanding markets such as the EU, thereby sustaining growth momentum and strengthening its standing in the international market.
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.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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