Brazil accounts for half of export value, the US experiences a decline
According to data from Vietnam Customs, tilapia export in June 2026 reached US$7 million, a 32% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. However, thanks to strong growth in the early months of the year, total tilapia export value for the first six months of 2026 still reached US$69 million, a 67% increase compared to the same period last year.
Among Vietnam's tilapia export markets, Brazil is the largest importer, with export value reaching US$35 million in the first six months of 2026, a dramatic increase of 28,767% compared to the same period in 2025 and accounting for 50% of total export value of the entire industry. In June alone, export to this market reached US$1 million, an increase of 871% compared to the same period in 2025.
The United States ranks second with a total export value of US$17 million in the first six months of 2026, a decrease of 35% compared to the same period. In June alone, tilapia exports to the United States reached US$3 million, a decrease of 61% compared to the same period.
Besides Brazil and the United States, several smaller markets continued to record positive growth in the first six months of 2026. Tilapia export to Saudi Arabia reached US$4 million, an increase of 69%. Dominican Republic achieved $2.3 million, a 103% increase compared to the same period last year; Belgium recorded $1.5 million in export, a 16% increase.
According to Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), although export results in the first six months of the year maintained high growth, 32% decrease in June shows that growth momentum of the tilapia industry is showing signs of slowing down.
In the US market, import demand is still affected by accumulated inventory from previous months. In addition, Vietnamese tilapia must compete with supply from major exporting countries such as China and Indonesia, creating significant pressure on price and market share.
Technical barriers, tariffs in Brazil and solutions to address them
Meanwhile, Brazil continues to be a key market but also poses many risks. In addition to technical control measures on imported seafood, several Brazilian states are implementing tariff policies on tilapia. Simultaneously, a bill banning tilapia imports is still under consideration by Brazilian Congress, leading many importers to be more cautious in their transactions.
Faced with trade barriers from Brazil, Vietnam has proactively implemented technical and diplomatic solutions to protect its tilapia industry. Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with other ministries, agencies, Vietnamese Embassy and Vietnamese Trade Office in Brazil, is engaging with Brazilian side to clarify the scientific basis of control measures, while affirming its capacity to control diseases, ensure traceability and guarantee product safety.
Vietnam is also finalizing its risk assessment dossier on the TiLV virus, strengthening technical dialogue and promoting agricultural and fisheries cooperation between the two countries. Simultaneously, businesses are advised to improve product quality, diversify products and markets to reduce dependence on Brazil.
Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) predicts that Vietnamese tilapia exports will likely continue to face numerous challenges in the second half of 2026. Businesses need to closely monitor policy developments in key markets, especially Brazil and the United States, and proactively diversify export markets to minimize risks, maintain growth, and enhance adaptability to fluctuations in international trade.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn