Brazil — the key market, accounting for more than half of total exports
Brazil continued to be Vietnam’s largest tilapia import market with an overwhelming share. In April 2026, exports to Brazil reached USD 6 million, accounting for 61% of total export turnover. Cumulative exports to this market in the first four months reached USD 26 million, representing 54% of the industry’s total exports, making Brazil the largest market in Vietnam’s tilapia export structure. However, Vietnamese tilapia exporters still need to remain cautious regarding technical and regulatory barriers imposed by different Brazilian states, as well as increasing competition from Brazil’s domestic tilapia industry.
The U.S. — second-largest market but facing significant pressure
The United States ranked second among export markets, but recorded less favorable performance in April. Export turnover in April reached only USD 2 million, down sharply by 42% year-on-year, mainly due to the impact of tariff policies and intense price competition in this market. Cumulative exports through April 2026 reached USD 10 million, up slightly by 3% compared to the same period last year, indicating that earlier months of the year still partially offset the sharp decline seen in April.
Potential markets continue strong growth momentum
Saudi Arabia recorded the most impressive growth rate among the top five markets. In April 2026, exports to this market reached USD 400 thousand, up 33% year-on-year.
The Dominican Republic also maintained positive growth momentum. Export turnover in April 2026 reached USD 300 thousand, up 23% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the first four months reached USD 2 million, up 204%, showing that beyond Brazil, other Latin American markets are gradually expanding consumption of Vietnamese tilapia, creating a foundation for broader market diversification within the region.
Belgium emerged as the most notable EU market during the month, with April exports reaching USD 300 thousand, up 102% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of 2026 alone, exports to Belgium reached USD 1 million, up 30%. Total exports to the EU during the same period reached USD 2 million, up 23%, indicating that demand in Europe is showing positive signs and gradually expanding.
The export performance of Vietnamese tilapia in the first four months of 2026 reflects remarkable growth, with total export value rising by 151%. However, the heavy concentration on Brazil represents a structural risk that requires attention, especially as the country is adjusting policies related to tilapia imports. The sharp decline in exports to the U.S. in April also highlights the need for close monitoring in the coming months. On the positive side, strong growth in Saudi Arabia and the Dominican Republic signals promising opportunities for market diversification throughout the rest of 2026.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.
(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s seafood exports recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, but the performance was increasingly uneven across products, markets and enterprises. VASEP’s newly released premium report provides the detailed data and analysis needed to understand what lies behind the headline figures and prepare for the more challenging months ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Brazil remains one of the key markets for Vietnamese pangasius in South America. However, exports to the market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2026, while frozen pangasius fillets continued to account for the overwhelming majority of exports.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Marking 27 years of supporting Vietnam’s seafood industry, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (VIETFISH 2026) will officially return from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, on its largest scale ever. Under the core theme “Innovation – Sustainability,” the event promises to provide a comprehensive picture of the transformation of Vietnam’s seafood industry toward greater value addition and sustainable development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With less than three weeks remaining, the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the theme "Innovation – Sustainability," Vietfish 2026 will provide a comprehensive networking platform for seafood businesses, buyers, distributors, industry experts, government agencies, and domestic and international visitors.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the technical seminar “Green and Sustainable Technology Solutions for the Aquaculture and Seafood Processing Value Chain” will take place from 09:30 to 11:45 on August 20, 2026, at Convention Room B, Level 2, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City. The seminar is jointly organized by VASEP, the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam, focusing on technological innovation and sustainable transformation across Vietnam’s seafood value chain.
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