Vietnam’s tilapia exports hit five-year high
Vietnam’s tilapia exports including red tilapia surged to over USD 63 million in the first eight months of 2025, up 174% year-on-year, according to data from Vietnam Customs. This marks the highest export value recorded in the past five years.
The United States remained Vietnam’s top market, accounting for 62% of total tilapia export revenue. Tilapia exports reached USD 52 million, up a staggering 359%, with 70% of the value shipped to the U.S. Meanwhile, red tilapia exports totaled USD 11 million, edging down 1% year-on-year, with the U.S. market representing 25%.
Data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) shows that the U.S. is the world’s largest tilapia consumer, while China remains the biggest supplier to both the U.S. and global markets. As of July 2025, tilapia has overtaken cod and catfish to become the most consumed whitefish species in the U.S. The frozen tilapia fillet (HS code 030461) is the most popular product among American buyers.
During the first seven months of 2025, the U.S. imported more than USD 1.1 billion worth of whitefish, up 8% from a year earlier. Imports of frozen tilapia fillets (HS 030461) alone reached USD 262 million, rising 19% and accounting for 23% of total U.S. whitefish imports. Vietnam is now the second-largest supplier of this product to the U.S., behind only China, underscoring strong growth potential for Vietnamese tilapia in the global market.
While Vietnam faces tough competition from major producers such as China, Indonesia, Egypt, and Brazil, its tilapia sector is gaining traction as more domestic companies expand production and processing for export following the success of pangasius, another key whitefish species.
The top five Vietnamese exporters of tilapia in the first eight months of 2025 were Indo-Pacific Co., Ltd; V Investment and Finance Co., Ltd; Nam Viet Corp; Kim Phat Seafood Import-Export Co., Ltd; and NVD Seafood Co., Ltd.
VFM
