Vietnam’s tilapia exports continued to deliver positive results in the first eight months of 2026, with total export value reaching US$90 million, up 43% year-on-year. However, exports in August alone totaled US$11 million, down 8% compared with the same period last year, reflecting uneven performance across markets.
Brazil remained Vietnam’s leading export market, while Japan recorded notable growth, opening up new development opportunities for Vietnamese tilapia.
In August 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Brazil reached US$4 million. Cumulative export value for the first eight months totaled US$44 million, up 22,142% year-on-year.
This exceptional growth largely reflects a sharp increase from a low base in the same period last year. Brazil now accounts for nearly half of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value in the first eight months of 2026, making it a major contributor to the sector’s overall growth.
Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States reached US$2 million in August 2026, down 72% year-on-year. For the first eight months of the year, export value totaled US$21 million, down 48%.
Demand in the U.S. market has yet to show clear signs of recovery, while relatively high inventory levels have made importers more cautious about placing new orders. These conditions continue to weigh on Vietnamese tilapia exports to one of the industry’s major consumer markets.
In Saudi Arabia, Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached US$2 million in August 2026, up 20% year-on-year. Cumulative exports for the first eight months totaled US$7 million, up 23%. Saudi Arabia continued to make a significant contribution to Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Japan recorded notable growth in August, with export value reaching US$400,000, up 192% year-on-year. Exports to Japan totaled US$2 million in the first eight months, an increase of 77%.
Notably, Vietnamese brackish-water tilapia has begun entering Japan’s sushi and sashimi segments. Meeting stringent requirements for product quality, farming-water control, traceability and processing demonstrates the potential to expand Vietnamese tilapia into higher-requirement market segments.
In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to CPTPP markets reached US$6 million, up 50% year-on-year, with Japan and Mexico making significant contributions.
Exports to the European Union totaled US$4 million, up 7%, with Belgium serving as the main contributor to growth.
In Europe, relatively limited supplies and higher prices for certain wild-caught whitefish species are creating additional opportunities for farmed species that can offer stable supply. Tilapia may be considered an alternative raw material in selected segments, provided it meets the relevant requirements for quality, specifications and certification.
The results for the first eight months of 2026 show that Vietnamese tilapia is gradually expanding its presence in international markets. However, significant dependence on several markets and the sharp decline in exports to the United States also highlight the volatility facing the sector.
The entry of Vietnamese tilapia into Japan’s sushi and sashimi segments could create further development opportunities, both in Japan and in other high-standard markets. To sustain growth, exporters need to maintain strict quality control from farming areas through processing, meet international certification requirements, ensure traceability and further leverage the advantages of brackish-water tilapia.
Building a strong reputation for Vietnamese tilapia requires consistent quality, reliable supply and products tailored to the specific needs of each market. These factors will provide the foundation for the sector to achieve more stable growth and strengthen its position in international markets.
As Vietnam’s tilapia exports continue to expand into international markets, selecting products that match local demand and import requirements is an important consideration for importers and distributors.
Hieu Nam International supplies frozen tilapia from Vietnam to international B2B customers. Depending on buyers’ requirements, product discussions can cover product forms, sizes, packaging specifications, storage requirements and standards applicable to the destination market.
For businesses looking to build or expand their frozen seafood portfolios, clearly defining the target market, customer segment and product requirements can help streamline sourcing discussions and order planning.
With a focus on connecting Vietnam’s seafood supply with international demand, Hieu Nam International welcomes inquiries from importers, distributors and trading partners seeking frozen tilapia and other frozen seafood products from Vietnam.
Contact Hieu Nam International to discuss frozen tilapia sourcing, product specifications and your import requirements.
Website: https://www.hieunam.vn
Email: export@hieunam.vn
WhatsApp: +84 55 978 6740
Market data source: Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP)
