Vietnam tilapia exports in H1 2026 reached approximately USD 69 million, up 67% year on year. The result highlights strong expansion for the product on international markets. However, the June figure requires closer attention: exports reached only around USD 7 million, down 32% year on year.
The June decline does not erase the strong first-half performance, but it indicates that export momentum may be starting to moderate.
Brazil Leads Growth While the US Moves in the Opposite Direction
Brazil was the most significant driver of Vietnam's tilapia exports during the first half of 2026.
Exports to Brazil reached approximately USD 35 million, up 28,767%, accounting for around 50% of Vietnam's total tilapia export value. However, June exports to Brazil were around USD 1 million, meaning the market still needs to be monitored for order continuity.
The US showed a different trend. Six-month exports reached approximately USD 17 million, down 35%, while June exports fell 61%. VASEP noted that accumulated inventories and competition from major suppliers such as China and Indonesia continued to pressure the market.
The market picture is therefore becoming increasingly differentiated:
Brazil → strong growth, but sustainability needs to be monitored.
US → weaker demand and stronger competitive pressure.
Markets to Watch in the Second Half of 2026
Several smaller markets are providing additional opportunities.
In H1 2026, Vietnam's tilapia exports to Saudi Arabia reached around USD 4 million, up 69%. Exports to the Dominican Republic reached approximately USD 2.3 million, up 103%, while Belgium reached around USD 1.5 million, up 16%.
Japan is also showing a different type of opportunity. Vietnamese tilapia fillets have entered the Japanese market for sushi and sashimi processing. Exports to Japan reached approximately USD 1.4 million in H1, up 54%, while value-added products accounted for around 21% of export value.
This suggests that market monitoring should go beyond total export value and focus on:
- Repeat orders.
- Inventory levels in major markets.
- Price competitiveness.
- Demand for fillets and value-added products.
- Expansion into emerging destinations.
Strong Growth Is a Positive Signal, Not the Final Destination
The USD 69 million H1 result demonstrates significant room for Vietnam's tilapia sector to expand. At the same time, the 32% decline in June shows that growth remains sensitive to individual markets and purchasing cycles.
For exporters, the next challenge is not simply increasing production volume. It is about diversifying markets, improving product quality, and reducing dependence on a limited number of major destinations.
The second half of 2026 will therefore be important in determining whether the strong early-year performance develops into a more stable long-term growth trend.
Source: Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
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