According to data from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s tilapia export in 2025 reached 99 million USD, an increase of 141% compared to 2024.
This result shows that tilapia is emerging as one of the high-growth sectors in Vietnam’s seafood export structure. In December 2025 alone, the export value of tilapia was 14 million USD, an increase of 156% compared to the same period in 2024. Thereby, it reflects a strong increase in import demand in many markets, particularly the US.
In 2025, the export value of tilapia to the US was 53 million USD, an increase of 173% compared to 2024, accounting for over 53% of the total export value of tilapia. In December 2025, tilapia exports to the US reached 3 million USD, a decrease of 6% compared to the same period in 2024. However, the US remained the largest import market for Vietnamese tilapia.
Vietnam is a bright spot in the global tilapia market.
The export value of tilapia to Brazil in 2025 reached 11 million USD, an increase of 7,552% compared to the same period in 202 4. In December 2025 alone, tilapia exports to this market were nearly 8 million USD, accounting for over 56% of the total value of tilapia exports that month.
In the Middle East, the export value of tilapia reached nearly 9 million USD in 2025, an increase of 339% compared to 2024. Exports to Saudi Arabia reached 8 million USD, an increase of 670% compared to the previous year.
Tilapia exports to the EU were 5 million USD, an increase of 24% compared to 2024. For the CPTPP bloc, the export value of tilapia reached 6 million USD, an increase of 62% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, exports to ASEAN were 3 million USD, an increase of 77% compared to the previous year.
Monthly trends show that the fluctuations in tilapia import activity in 2024 and 2025 are quite different. In 2024, import turnover remained relatively low for most of the year before increasing sharply in December. Meanwhile, 2025 saw a trend of even and sustained imports. Starting from the period of May-August, import turnover gradually increased and remained at a high level, reflecting more stable market demand as well as the growing attention of international importers to Vietnamese tilapia. Notably, December 2025 continued to record high import levels. Markets are preparing early for year-end consumer demand. Also, there are more positive expectations for purchasing power and market prospects compared to in 2024.
Vietnam’s tilapia industry grew strongly in 2025, significantly benefiting from the US. As tariffs on tilapia from China and Brazil remain high, Vietnam has an opportunity to become an alternative supplier with competitive prices. Domestic businesses quickly seized the opportunity to increase investment in aquaculture and exports.
Entering 2026, diversifying the market to Europe, the Middle East, and South America is considered a necessary direction to reduce dependence on single markets. At the same time, developing value-added products, along with investments in improving breeds, farming technology, and deep processing linked to sustainable standards, will be the foundation for the Vietnamese tilapia industry to maintain its growth and enhance its position in the international market.