According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s tilapia exports reached USD 104 million in the first nine months of 2026, up 47% compared to the same period in 2025. In September alone, exports reached USD 13 million, an increase of 86%. Brazil, the US, and Saudi Arabia were the three largest markets, accounting for 80% of total export value.
Brazil was the largest importing market. In the first nine months, tilapia exports to Brazil reached USD 48 million, up 6,925% year-on-year. In September alone, exports to Brazil reached USD 4 million, an increase of 781%.
The US was the second-largest market, with exports reaching USD 25 million in the first nine months, down 42% year-on-year. However, exports to the US in September reached USD 4 million, up 37% compared to the same period last year and nearly double the figure recorded in August.
Exports to Saudi Arabia reached USD 10 million in the first nine months, up 50% year-on-year. In September, exports to this market reached USD 3 million, an increase of 231%. Saudi Arabia accounted for a significant share of Vietnam's tilapia export value to the Middle East.
Tilapia exports to CPTPP markets reached USD 7 million in the first nine months, up 51%. In September, export value to these markets reached USD 663,000, an increase of 53% year-on-year.
Within the bloc, Japan was the largest market, with exports reaching USD 2 million in the first nine months of 2026, up 74%. In September alone, exports reached USD 166,000, an increase of 46% year-on-year.
Tilapia exports to the EU reached USD 4 million in the first nine months, up 2%. In September, export value to the bloc reached USD 178,000, down 50% compared to the same period last year.
Brazil continued to grow, indicating strong purchasing power and demand in this market. Export value to Brazil increased sharply both during the first nine months and in September alone, bringing the market's share to nearly half of Vietnam's total tilapia export value.
The US returned to positive growth after several months of decline. Tilapia exports to the US increased by 37% year-on-year in September, while the cumulative value for the first nine months remained down 42%. Inventories in the US may have declined, prompting importers to resume purchasing.
Major markets have not yet achieved real stability. In Brazil, technical barriers remain, while proposed legislation to ban imports or impose import quotas continues to be discussed, partly affecting importer confidence. In the US, import demand currently depends largely on inventory levels, so the recovery cannot yet be considered a sustainable trend.
Businesses need to diversify their markets and create differentiation. Brazil and the US currently account for 71% of total export value, meaning that any fluctuations in these two markets have a significant impact on the entire industry. Some businesses are shifting their focus to other markets, such as Japan and Saudi Arabia. To expand their market reach, businesses need to further diversify export destinations while differentiating themselves through products, quality, and services to compete with other suppliers.
As Vietnam's tilapia export market continues to expand, Hieu Nam International supplies Frozen Black Tilapia to meet the sourcing needs of international seafood importers and distributors.
With a team bringing 20 years of experience in the seafood industry and a network of farming and processing partners in Vietnam, Hieu Nam International provides sourcing solutions tailored to the requirements of different markets.
Looking for a reliable Frozen Black Tilapia supplier in Vietnam? Contact Hieu Nam International to discuss product specifications and receive a quotation tailored to your import requirements.
