In 2025, tilapia export turnover reached US$99 million, up more than 140% compared with 2024. Exports to the US totaled over US$53 million, making it Vietnam’s largest tilapia import market. Shipments to the Middle East reached nearly US$9 million, up around 400%, of which Saudi Arabia accounted for US$8 million, up 670%. Vietnamese tilapia also entered Brazil, one of the world’s leading tilapia exporters, generating US$11 million in 2025.

To consolidate this momentum, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and a delegation from the US Embassy agreed to implement the “US-Vietnam Aquaculture Value Chain Partnership” project.

The US side is expected to invest more than US$15.2 million over five years, targeting cumulative tilapia output of 1.21 million tonnes and total sales value of US$1.25 billion. Starting in March 2026, the project will be carried out in the Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta, with direct benefits projected for more than 24,000 participants across the value chain.

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, the project provides additional resources to implement the tilapia development plan through 2030, improve value chain efficiency and expand trade to the US, Europe and the domestic market.

To sustain growth in major markets such as the US, the Middle East and the European Union, Vietnamese tilapia products must meet stringent requirements on quality, food safety and sustainable farming certifications, including GlobalGAP (Good Agricultural Practices), BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council).

This requires standardising the entire production chain, from broodstock and farming areas to processing and logistics.

As global consumers increasingly favour white-meat products that are high in protein, easy to prepare and reasonably priced, tilapia is seen as having strong growth potential.

Strengthening value-chain linkages, investing in cold storage infrastructure and upgrading production standards will be essential for tilapia to emerge as a new pillar product of Vietnam’s seafood sector alongside shrimp and pangasius, helping balance the industry structure in the coming period.

Nearly 200% rise in tilapia exports, demand concentrated in mid-range segment

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s tilapia exports recorded strong growth over the past 11 months of 2025, up198% year on year, pointing to steady demand in the global market, particularly for mid-range products.