US imports over $50mn worth of Vietnamese tilapia as exporters seize market shift

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the year marked a breakthrough for Vietnam’s tilapia exports, which generated nearly $100 million in total revenue, up 141 percent year on year, with the U.S. market playing the leading role.

Exports to the U.S. alone exceeded $53 million, rising by 173 percent from the previous year and accounting for 54 percent of Vietnam’s total tilapia export value, making it the largest import market for the product.

The sharp increase reflects both strong U.S. demand and the ability of Vietnamese companies to quickly capture emerging opportunities amid shifting global competition.

By product category, last year’s growth was driven mainly by tilapia fillets, which generated $40 million in export revenue, surging 499 percent from 2024 to become the largest contributing segment.

The rapid expansion of fillet exports reflects consumption trends in the U.S., where convenient, easy-to-prepare products with consistent quality remain highly popular.

Meanwhile, exports of whole frozen tilapia posted modest growth, reaching more than $13 million, up four percent year on year, and continued to provide a stable foundation for overall shipments.

In contrast, exports of other processed tilapia products and dried fish declined, indicating that U.S. demand in 2025 was concentrated more heavily on frozen fillets rather than value-added or dried products.

VASEP said the strong growth in Vietnamese tilapia exports to the U.S. is closely linked to major disruptions in global supply.

China, the world’s largest tilapia producer and exporter, continues to face U.S. import tariffs of up to 55 percent, significantly eroding its competitiveness in the American market.

At the same time, Brazil has been subject to U.S. import tariffs of 50 percent since August 2025, forcing exporters there to adjust their strategies.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese tilapia was previously exempt from import tariffs in the U.S. but later faced a 10-percent duty, which has recently risen to 20 percent, according to Nguoi Lao Dong (Laborer) newspaper, citing Ngo Minh Phuong, CEO of Viet Truong Co., Ltd., an exporter of tilapia to the U.S..

Against this backdrop, Vietnamese businesses rapidly expanded investment in tilapia farming and processing, particularly frozen fillets tailored to demand in the U.S., according to VASEP.

Competitive production costs, stable supply, and the ability to flexibly meet technical requirements also helped Vietnamese tilapia gain market share in 2025.

Looking ahead, VASEP expects continued growth in tilapia exports to the U.S., especially for fillet products, this year.

However, the association said sustaining long-term development will require improvements in product quality, compliance with international certification systems, and adherence to sustainability standards.

Further investment in breeding, farming technology, and value-added processing will also be essential for the industry to fully capitalize on opportunities in the U.S..

This will also support gradual expansion into more demanding markets such as the European Union, helping maintain growth momentum and strengthen Vietnam’s position in the global seafood trade.