(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording sharp increases compared to the same period last year. In February alone, export value reached USD 8.4 million, up 148% year-on-year. Cumulatively, in the first two months of 2026, total tilapia export turnover hit USD 23 million, soaring 242% compared to the same period in 2025.
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.