MEKSEA.COM – Vietnam tilapia exports recorded remarkable growth in the first four months of 2026, reaching USD 49 million and increasing by 151% compared to the same period in 2025. The strong performance was largely supported by rising demand from Brazil, while frozen tilapia fillets remained the dominant export product across major international markets.

Frozen Tilapia Fillets Lead Vietnam Tilapia Exports

Frozen Tilapia Fillets Lead Vietnam Tilapia Exports

Frozen tilapia fillets continued to be the backbone of Vietnam tilapia exports during the first four months of 2026. Products classified under HS code 0304 accounted for approximately 86% of the industry’s total export value, significantly outperforming other product categories.

Frozen whole tilapia ranked second but represented a much smaller share of exports. This product is primarily supplied to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where consumers often prefer purchasing whole fish. Meanwhile, value-added products under HS code 16 contributed only a minor portion of total export revenue.

The dominance of frozen fillets highlights the strong global demand for convenient and ready-to-cook seafood products. It also reflects Vietnam’s growing capability in producing high-quality processed fish that meets international standards.

Brazil Emerges as the Largest Market for Vietnamese Tilapia

Brazil Emerges as the Largest Market for Vietnamese Tilapia

Brazil became the leading destination for Vietnam tilapia exports, generating USD 26 million in revenue during the first four months of 2026 and accounting for 54% of total export value. This represents the highest concentration of exports to a single market ever recorded for the Vietnamese tilapia sector.

Notably, all tilapia exports to Brazil consisted of frozen fillets. The market’s strong preference for this product category has been fueled by increasing retail demand and improved import conditions. Brazilian consumers favor convenient seafood products with consistent quality, making frozen fillets an ideal match for market requirements.

The rapid expansion of exports to Brazil demonstrates the country’s growing importance in Vietnam’s seafood trade strategy and highlights significant opportunities for future growth.

Diverse Market Demand Creates New Opportunities

Diverse Market Demand Creates New Opportunities

While Brazil relies exclusively on frozen fillets, other markets demonstrate more diverse purchasing patterns.

• The United States imported approximately USD 10 million worth of Vietnamese tilapia during the same period, with frozen fillets accounting for 83.6% of imports and frozen whole fish representing 16.4%.
• In the Middle East and Southeast Asia, consumer preferences differ considerably. Saudi Arabia imported mainly frozen whole tilapia, which represented 89% of total import value from Vietnam. Malaysia showed a similar trend, with whole fish accounting for 68% of imports. The Malaysian market reached USD 985,000 and recorded impressive growth of 144% compared to the previous year.
• Japan also stood out as a unique niche market. Imports reached approximately USD 1 million, increasing by 92% year-on-year. Unlike other destinations, Japan purchased a broader range of tilapia products, including frozen fillets, whole fish, and specialty processed items. This diversified demand reflects the country’s sophisticated seafood market and high product quality requirements.

Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam

The outstanding growth of Vietnam tilapia exports in 2026 demonstrates the industry’s ability to meet evolving international demand. However, long-term sustainable growth will require greater market diversification and increased development of value-added seafood products.

As a trusted seafood partner, Meksea is committed to connecting global buyers with premium Vietnamese seafood products. With extensive experience in sourcing, quality control, and international distribution, Meksea supplies a wide range of seafood products, including tilapia, pangasius, shrimp, tuna, and cephalopods.

By working closely with certified farms and processing facilities, Meksea ensures consistent quality, reliable supply, and customized solutions tailored to customer requirements. As the leading seafood distributor in Vietnam, Meksea continues to support global importers seeking high-quality seafood from one of the world’s most dynamic seafood-producing countries.

Contributing to the global expansion of Vietnamese seafood exports, Meksea is honored to be a leading seafood distributor in Vietnam. We are committed to overcoming supply chain challenges while ensuring consistent quality at every stage,  from sourcing and processing to final delivery. Meksea provides tailored purchasing solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each partner.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam  seafood!

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Joy Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

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