Five-month tilapia exports double even as risks rise in key markets
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s tilapia exports more than doubled during the five-month period of 2026 to US$62 million, up 101% year-on-year, though weakening sales in the US and rising protectionist risks in Brazil are creating fresh challenges for the sector.
According to the latest report from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), tilapia exports stood at US$14 million in May, up 18% from a year earlier.
Brazil remained the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia. Exports to the Southern American nation hit US$8 million in May, bringing the January-May total to US$34 million, accounting for more than half of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value and reinforcing Brazil’s role as the main growth driver.
By contrast, the US, the second-largest market, continued to post declines. Exports to the vast market fell 53% year-on-year to US$4 million in May, while shipments throughout the reviewed period dropped 23% to US$14 million.
The decline reflected challenges in the US seafood market as well as mounting competition from other suppliers.
Canada and Australia also posted strong growth, with exports rising 236% and 123%, respectively, suggesting room for expansion beyond traditional markets.
Despite strong export growth, VASEP said the sector continues to face numerous challenges. Brazil is stepping up protectionist measures on imported products, with several states introducing or proposing higher ICMS taxes on imported tilapia.
Particularly, the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco has temporarily banned the sale of imported tilapia in various forms. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies is reviewing a bill that would ban tilapia imports to protect domestic producers.
With exports to the U.S. declining and policy risks in Brazil increasing, VASEP stressed that Vietnamese exporters should diversify into potential markets such as Canada, Australia, the Middle East and the European Union, while investing in value-added products and improving competitiveness to support growth in the period ahead.
Tilapia opens new growth prospects for Vietnam’s seafood sector
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s tilapia exports are recording strong growth amid fluctuations in the global seafood market, with the US leading the surge as shipments to the highly lucrative market posted triple-digit growth of 173% in 2025.
