AsemconnectVietnam - Vietnam's tilapia exports continued their positive growth momentum in May of 2026, reaching US$14 million, an 18% increase compared to the same period last year.

In the first five months of the year, the country’s total tilapia exports reached US$62 million, a 101% increase compared to the same period in 2025, demonstrating a strong recovery of this industry in the international market.
Exports of tilapia to Brazil saw growth, to US showed no signs of recovery
Brazil continued to be Vietnam's largest tilapia import market. In May of 2026, exports to this market reached US$8 million. In the first five months of the year, the country’s exports of tilapia to Brazil reached US$34 million, accounting for more than half of Vietnam's total tilapia export value. This result confirms Brazil's crucial role in the overall growth of the industry.
Meanwhile, the US, the second-largest market, continued to experience a downward trend. In May of 2026, tilapia exports to the US reached $4 million, down by 53% year-on-year. For the first five months of the year, the country’s total exports of tilapia to the U.S reached $14 million, down by 23%. This decline reflects the difficulties in the US seafood market as well as increasing competitive pressure from other suppliers.
Saudi Arabia, the Dominican Republic, and emerging markets accelerated
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia saw mixed results. The exports of tilapia in May reached $332,000, down by 74% year-on-year. However, for the first five months, the figure still reached $3 million, up by 87%, indicating that import demand in this market is maintaining an expansion trend in the medium term.
The Dominican Republic continued to maintain high growth rates. The export turnover in May reached US$393,000, a 37% increase compared to the same period last year. The total exports for the first five months of the year reached US$2 million, a sharp increase of 147%, placing Vietnam among the fastest-growing markets for tilapia.
Canada and Australia were the two markets with the most outstanding growth rates in the first five months of 2026. Tilapia exports to Canada increased by 236%, while exports to Australia increased by 123% compared to the same period last year. Although the scale is still modest, this result shows the potential for expanding the market share of Vietnamese tilapia in developed markets beyond traditional markets.
Protectionist policies in Brazil pose challenges for Vietnamese tilapia
Despite high export growth, the outlook for the tilapia industry still faces many challenges. Brazil – the largest consumer market – is increasing protectionist measures against imported products. Several states have implemented or proposed raising ICMS taxes on imported tilapia, while Pernambuco state has issued a temporary ban on the import of tilapia in various forms. Simultaneously, the Brazilian House of Representatives is considering a bill to ban tilapia imports to protect the domestic aquaculture industry.
Amidst the continued decline in the US market and increasing policy risks in Brazil, Vietnamese tilapia exporters need to proactively diversify their markets, expanding into potential areas such as Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and the EU. Furthermore, investing in the development of value-added products and enhancing competitiveness will be crucial factors in maintaining the tilapia industry's growth in the future.
CK
Source: VITIC/vasep.com.vn