In the first half of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 69 million, up 67% year-on-year. Brazil accounted for 50% of the total export value.
According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s tilapia exports totaled USD 7 million in June 2026. This represented a 32% decline compared with the same month in 2025. However, thanks to strong growth in the early months of the year, cumulative tilapia export turnover in the first half of 2026 still reached USD 69 million. This marked a 67% increase year-on-year.
Among Vietnam’s tilapia export markets, Brazil was the largest importer. Export turnover to the market reached USD 35 million in the first six months of 2026, soaring 28,767% compared with the same period in 2025 and accounting for 50% of the industry’s total export value. In June alone, exports to Brazil reached USD 1 million. This was up 871% year-on-year.
The United States ranked second, with export turnover totaling USD 17 million in the first half of 2026. This was down 35% from a year earlier. In June alone, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the U.S. reached USD 3 million. This represented a decline of 61% compared with the same month in 2025.
In addition to Brazil and the United States, several smaller markets continued to post positive growth in the first half of 2026. Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Saudi Arabia reached USD 4 million, up 69% year-on-year. Exports to the Dominican Republic totaled USD 2.3 million, an increase of 103%. Meanwhile, exports to Belgium reached USD 1.5 million, up 16% from the same period last year.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), although tilapia exports maintained strong growth in the first half of the year, the 32% decline recorded in June suggests that the sector’s growth momentum is beginning to slow.
In the U.S. market, import demand continues to be affected by inventory accumulated in previous months. In addition, Vietnamese tilapia faces intense competition from major exporting countries such as China and Indonesia. This puts considerable pressure on both prices and market share.
Technical barriers, tariffs in Brazil, and Vietnam’s response
Meanwhile, Brazil remains Vietnam’s largest export market for tilapia but also presents growing risks. In addition to stricter technical controls on imported seafood, several Brazilian states have introduced tariff measures on tilapia imports. At the same time, a bill proposing a ban on tilapia imports is still under consideration by the Brazilian Congress. This has prompted many importers to adopt a more cautious approach to trading.
In response to these trade barriers, Vietnam has proactively implemented both technical and diplomatic measures to protect its tilapia industry. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies, the Vietnamese Embassy, and the Vietnam Trade Office in Brazil, has engaged with Brazilian authorities to clarify the scientific basis for the country’s control measures. At the same time, it has reaffirmed Vietnam’s capacity for disease control, traceability, and product safety assurance.
Vietnam is also completing a risk assessment dossier on the Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV). In addition, it is strengthening technical dialogue and promoting agricultural and fisheries cooperation between the two countries. At the same time, exporters are being encouraged to improve product quality, diversify product offerings, and expand into new markets. This aims to reduce dependence on Brazil.
According to VASEP, Vietnam’s tilapia exports are likely to face significant challenges in the second half of 2026. Exporters should closely monitor policy developments in key markets, particularly Brazil and the United States. They should also proactively diversify their export destinations to reduce risks, sustain growth, and enhance resilience against fluctuations in global trade.
Vietnamese source: https://congthuong.vn/xuat-khau-ca-ro-phi-tang-manh-brazil-chiem-50-kim-ngach-466585.html
If you are interested in Vietnamese tilapia exports, please contact us:
Company: Agrideco Vietnam Co., Ltd.
Address: No 02, Alley 325 Kim Nguu, Vinh Tuy Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel/Kakao Talk/Whatsapp: +84 989 649 804
Website: https://agridecovietnam.com
Email: agridecovietnam@gmail.com