Leapfrog Growth in Vietnam's Tilapia Exports to the US in 2025

Vietnam achieved a breakthrough in the US tilapia market in 2025. According to data from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the country's annual tilapia export value to the US reached 53.15 million US dollars, a year-on-year surge of 173%. The US market accounted for 54% of Vietnam's total tilapia export value, emerging as its largest single export market.

From the perspective of product structure, the core driving force for export growth came from tilapia fillets. In 2025, Vietnam's export value of tilapia fillets to the US neared 40 million US dollars, a staggering year-on-year increase of 499%. In stark contrast, the export value of fresh, live and whole frozen tilapia rose by only 4%, while that of deep-processed and dried tilapia dropped by 39% and 68% respectively. This highlights the highly concentrated preference for frozen tilapia fillets in the US market.

Vietnam's rapid capture of the US market is closely linked to the adjustment of the global tilapia supply pattern. China, the world's largest tilapia producer and exporter, has seen its competitiveness constrained by US tariff policies of up to 55%. Brazil has also faced a tariff of approximately 50% since August 2025, forcing a shift in its export direction. Vietnam, by virtue of a stable trade environment and cost advantages, has timely filled the market gap.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese enterprises have proactively catered to market demand by increasing investment in tilapia farming and processing. Particularly in the frozen fillet segment, they have strictly aligned with the US market's specifications, quality and food safety standards, cementing their market position with high cost performance and stable supply.

However, the high export dependence on the US market harbors potential risks. Shifts in trade policies and fluctuations in the consumer market may impact the industry. Additionally, as Brazil redirects its export focus to the European Union, Vietnam will face intensified competitive pressure in the high-end market.

In the medium to long term, Vietnam's tilapia industry needs to continuously strengthen quality control, improve the product traceability system, and boost R&D in breeding and deep-processing technologies. While consolidating the US market, it should actively explore high-standard markets such as the EU to achieve steady industrial development.

Against the backdrop of the reshaping of the global tilapia trade pattern, Vietnam is gradually transforming from a market filler into a supply country with significant influence.

Frozen Tilapia Fillet Boneless

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