According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s tilapia export value in 9 months of 2025 was 57.3 million USD. This is an increase of 332% compared to the same period in 2024 (13.26 million USD). The result shows the rapid adaptability and dynamism of Vietnamese businesses in a volatile market.
Currently, tilapia is farmed in over 150 countries, with production expected to reach 7.2 million tons in 2025. Global consumption is increasing by an average of 13% per year and is expected to reach USD 20 billion in 2030, thanks to strong recovery in major producing countries. In particular, Vietnam is emerging as a potential tilapia supplier in the global supply chain.
Tilapia is supplied to many markets, with export value increasing by over 300% in 9 months of 2025.
Tilapia products from Vietnam are available in many markets. The United States is the key market, accounting for a large share of total export turnover.
However, in the fourth quarter, growth is forecast to slow down as US inventories temporarily increased after strong imports in the second and third quarters. This shows that Vietnam needs to develop long-term strategies, focusing on improving product quality, diversifying markets, and building a sustainable brand.
For Vietnam, it is the time to turn short-term opportunities into long-term strategies. The tilapia industry should proactively diversify its markets, expand into Europe, the Middle East, and South America, and develop value-added products. Investing in improving technology and deep processing will also help increase productivity, reduce costs, and meet sustainable standards.
Vietnam has the opportunity to build its own tilapia brand and strengthen its position in the global supply chain. This is not just filling a temporary gap but aiming for the role of a strategic, sustainable, and high-value supplier.