Recently, tilapia has recorded impressive growth in both production and exports, becoming a high-potential species for the seafood industry. However, this sector still faces limitations regarding chain linkages, seed quality, and processing technology, necessitating a strong shift toward industrial, systematic, and more sustainable development.

Rapid production growth, breakthrough in exports

The Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance stated that in 2025, there were approximately 42,000 hectares of specialized tilapia cultivation (including black tilapia and red tilapia) nationwide; production reached 420,000 tons, a 33% increase compared to 2024.

The Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta are the two key production regions, with output heavily concentrated in Hai Phong, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Vinh Long. In the Central region, production is centered in the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, and Quang Tri.

Tilapia farming offers numerous advantages, such as a proactive seed supply, rapid growth rates, a low feed conversion ratio (FCR), and broad adaptability to various environmental conditions, ranging from freshwater to brackish water. This species is suitable for industrial feed and intensive farming models, features reasonable production costs, and is easy to process, effectively meeting both domestic consumption needs and export demands in various product forms.

Currently, 510 seafood processing plants eligible for export can participate in tilapia processing. Notable enterprises include Nam Viet, NVD Seafood, Royal Queen Fish, De Heus, Mavin, Viet Truong, and Xuyen Viet.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in 2025, tilapia export turnover reached 99 million USD, up 141% over the previous year. This upward trend has continued into 2026, with exports in the first two months alone reaching 23 million USD, an increase of 242%. It is estimated that in the first quarter of 2026, tilapia export turnover will reach approximately 35 million USD, up nearly 190% year-on-year.

Growth momentum comes not only from traditional markets but also from breakthroughs in emerging markets, opening significant room for the tilapia sector. Currently, Brazil accounts for the largest share at 54%, followed by the US at 17%, indicating an increasingly clear market shift. One of the key factors driving growth is that Vietnamese enterprises have effectively capitalized on the opportunity as the US imposes high tariffs on tilapia from China and Brazil, thereby opening long-term development potential.

The impressive growth in tilapia exports reflects expanding global demand as well as the development potential of this sector.

However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production foundations and supply chains, necessitating sustainable development in the coming period. Currently, production is fragmented and chain linkages remain loose; seed quality is inconsistent and still partially dependent on imported sources; technical proficiency and environmental management are uneven; and there are few deep-processed products, resulting in low added value. Furthermore, the export market and the brand identity of Vietnamese tilapia are not yet stable or prominent compared to competing nations.

Strengthening production foundations and linkage chains

According to development orientations, in 2026, tilapia will be evaluated for potential inclusion in the group of key farmed species, alongside other species with potential and advantages. In the Fisheries Development Strategy to 2030, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment also identified tilapia as one of the potential farmed species, alongside shrimp and pangasius. Simultaneously, sector restructuring programs are encouraging the expansion of farming areas toward industrialization, applying high technology and meeting sustainable development standards.

To develop this sector, the Ministry has directed localities to strengthen the management of farming areas, control seed quality, and develop farming models according to VietGAP, GlobalGAP, or international certifications. Building stable raw material areas is considered the key factor for export development.

VASEP assessed that promoting tilapia farming can help the seafood industry diversify its products, particularly within the whitefish group. Simultaneously, tilapia holds great potential in the domestic market, contributing to reduced imports and leveraging opportunities in markets such as the US and Europe. However, in some localities, enterprises are still "deliberating" over investment and development of tilapia farming, alongside the main exported whitefish product, pangasius.

To promote tilapia farming, VASEP noted that Vietnam must accept fierce competition from China, as the latter holds advantages in production scale and lower costs. Investing in advanced and modern farming technology to ensure quality and productivity will also be a significant challenge for Vietnamese enterprises. The industry needs to quickly consolidate its production foundations, strengthen chain linkages, and enhance added value.

From a business perspective, STP Group Joint Stock Company evaluated that tilapia has immense potential for production expansion and export. To develop into a strong sector, many issues must be resolved synchronously: the quality of broodstock, seed quality, farming techniques, feed, credit, cooperative organization, traceability, quality standards, and linkages with processing enterprises.

Source: Bao Dai bieu Nhan dan