In the first half of 2026, Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the CPTPP and Middle East showed strong growth, highlighting new opportunities to diversify export destinations beyond traditional markets.
According to VASEP, tilapia exports to CPTPP markets reached nearly USD 4.6 million, up 36.6% year on year. Meanwhile, exports to the Middle East reached USD 4.2 million, up 66.9%, making it the faster-growing region during the period.
The Middle East Is Growing Faster
In terms of growth rate, the Middle East is currently outperforming CPTPP markets. Saudi Arabia is the key driver, with nearly USD 3.9 million in Vietnamese tilapia imports, up 68.8%.
The market accounted for approximately 93% of Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the Middle East, highlighting its importance to the region’s overall growth. At the same time, this high concentration points to the need for further market diversification.
CPTPP offers a different opportunity. Japan has imported Vietnamese value-added tilapia products for sushi and sashimi processing, suggesting potential for Vietnamese suppliers to move beyond frozen raw materials toward higher-value products.
Growth Opportunities Go Beyond Volume
The performance of both regions shows that Vietnam’s tilapia export strategy is becoming more diversified in terms of markets and product segments.
CPTPP markets may offer opportunities for products requiring stronger quality control, traceability and processing capabilities. Meanwhile, the Middle East—particularly Saudi Arabia—is showing rapidly growing demand for Vietnamese tilapia.
VASEP also highlights the importance of standardized farming areas, quality control, traceability and greater development of value-added products to support long-term growth.
Diversifying Markets for More Sustainable Growth
Tilapia is emerging as a promising product for diversifying Vietnam’s seafood export portfolio. However, rapid growth in one market should not lead to excessive dependence on a single destination.
For seafood businesses, a balanced approach is to continue developing high-growth markets such as Saudi Arabia while exploring additional CPTPP destinations and adapting product specifications to each market.
Vietnam’s tilapia exports to CPTPP and the Middle East are therefore not only about increasing export value, but also about creating a broader and more resilient market base for Vietnamese freshwater seafood.
Source: VASEP, Vietnam’s Tilapia Exports Expand in CPTPP and the Middle East, August 6, 2026.