There is much room for export growth in the Brazilian market
According to a report of Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, value of seafood exports in June 2025 is estimated at 950 million USD, bringing the total value of seafood exports in the first 6 months of 2025 to 5.16 billion USD, up 16.9% over the same period in 2024.
China, the United States and Japan are the 3 largest markets for seafood products in Vietnam, accounting for market shares of 19.6%, 18.2% and 15% respectively. Among the 15 largest export markets, export value of seafood products increased the most in Brazilian market with an increase of 71.3%.
Among major markets for Vietnamese pangasius, Brazil is considered to have much room for growth. According to Ms. Le Hang - Deputy General Secretary of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Brazil is the second largest aquaculture producer in Latin America, with an annual output of about 900 thousand tons, of which tilapia accounts for about 65%.
However, domestic seafood industry is not enough to meet diverse consumer demand, especially for products such as salmon, cod, shrimp and whitefish. Brazil has to import 1.4 - 1.5 billion USD worth of seafood each year, focusing on high-end products from Chile (salmon) and Vietnam (pangasius).
“Consumption level of 12 kg/person/year, higher than the US but lower than Japan, shows great room for growth. With the economy expected to grow by 2.2% GDP, seafood imports are forecast to continue to increase, especially for high-value and convenient products. Vietnam, with its strength in pangasius, has taken advantage of this gap,” said Ms. Le Hang.
In particular, Vietnamese pangasius, with its low price and stable quality, is an ideal choice for the middle and low-income segments in the Brazilian market. Compared to high-end products from Chile or the EU, Vietnamese seafood has a price advantage, helping to expand its market share in the context of Brazil prioritizing the import of affordable products.
On other hand, if in the past, Brazil's strict standards on additives and phosphates made it difficult for Vietnamese pangasius. However, Brazil's consideration of adjusting these standards according to international practices opens up great opportunities. This not only reduces inspection costs but also creates conditions for Vietnam to export deeply processed products such as breaded pangasius, helping to diversify the portfolio and increase export value.
Improving quality, the key to conquering the South American market
On April 24, 2025, Brazilian Gazette published a notice from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on official revocation of suspension of tilapia imports from Vietnam. Decision to lift ban on tilapia imports from Vietnam was made within the framework of official visit to Vietnam by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from March 27-29, 2025.
At noon on July 5 (local time), on occasion of attending expanded BRICS Summit and carrying out bilateral activities in Brazil, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had an important meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Two leaders expressed their satisfaction with very positive and concrete results in opening agricultural markets of two countries. On this occasion, Brazil exported the first batch of beef to Vietnam and Vietnam exported a batch of tra - basa fish and tilapia to Brazil, contributing to enhancing effectiveness of economic and trade cooperation, bringing practical benefits to the people and businesses of the two countries.
Brazil affirmed its readiness to import more seafood and rice from Vietnam. Two sides also agreed to sign an agreement on ensuring stable and long-term food security for Brazil through import of rice from Vietnam.
In 2025, seafood industry aims to export an estimated 10.5 billion USD, up 4.3% over the same period in 2024. Ministry of Agriculture and Environment stated that in the context of many fluctuations in export market, in addition to traditional markets, businesses need to expand their markets and increase trade promotion, connect and expand partners and seek customers in the Middle East, ASEAN, Oceania and Latin America. There are currently 26 seafood businesses such as Hung Ca, Cadovimex, Nam Viet, Hoang Long, etc, operating in Brazil. In context of many fluctuations in the world situation and domestic exports needing to find alternative markets, opening Brazilian market for pangasius products and re-exporting tilapia products will bring many opportunities for seafood exporting businesses. Thereby, contributing to increasing export turnover in general, gradually balancing the trade balance and aiming to bring bilateral trade turnover to 15 billion USD by 2030.
To maximize opportunity to export seafood to Brazil, Ms. Le Hang recommends that businesses need to closely monitor import regulations, especially on phosphate and quarantine, to adjust products accordingly. Invest in deep processing, develop value-added products such as seasoned pangasius, fish cakes, to serve convenient consumer segment. Participate in trade promotion, take advantage of fairs and support from Vietnam Trade Office to build brands.
Ensure sustainable certification, meet Brazil's strict requirements on traceability and environment. Overcoming technical barriers and improving product quality will be the key for Vietnamese businesses to conquer this potential South American market.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn