Statistics show that red tilapia exports fell slightly by 1% to US$11 million compared to the same period last year, with the US market accounting for 25% of total red tilapia export value.

Tilapia exports overall recorded impressive growth, rising 359% year‑on‑year to US$52 million, with exports to the US alone representing 70% of this value.

According to the International Trade Center (ITC), the US represents the world’s largest consumer of tilapia, while China is the leading supplier both to the US and globally. Tilapia has become the most popular whitefish in the US during the first seven months of the year, with frozen tilapia fillets being the highest‑consumed whitefish product in the market.

The US spent US$1.1 billion importing whitefish during the reviewed period, up 8% year‑on‑year, while imports of frozen tilapia fillets rose 19% to US$262 million, accounting for 23% of the total whitefish imported by the US.

Vietnam stands as the second largest supplier of frozen tilapia fillets to the US market, second only to China. This reflects strong demand and considerable growth potential for Vietnamese tilapia products.

In addition to Tra fish (pangasius), a whitefish species closely related to tilapia, Vietnamese businesses are expanding tilapia farming to boost exports and meet growing demand.

Brazil lifts suspension on Vietnamese tilapia fish imports

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) has lifted a suspension on Vietnamese tilapia fish imports.