Tilapia is one of the leading white fish species favored by consumers in the US. The US is also the largest consumer market for tilapia products, while China is the largest producer and exporter. However, with the new policy of the Trump Administration, China's export products, including tilapia, face many new challenges. This may create opportunities for other exporting countries, including Vietnam.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, in the first two months of this year, tilapia exports to the US reached nearly 3 million USD, an increase of 105% (more than double) compared to the same period last year, accounting for 47% of the total export of tilapia to markets. Meanwhile, red tilapia exports to the US only reached nearly 256 thousand USD, down 78% compared to the same period in 2024.

However, Vietnam's tilapia exports to markets for many years have not really made an impression on the market. The reason comes from meeting the requirements and standards for both breed, quality, production scale, output, etc.

Vietnam, with advantages in natural conditions and experience in the aquaculture sector, is considering investing in the production and export of tilapia to the US, in addition to the main white fish export product, pangasius, which is raising questions about the opportunities and major challenges for the market.

Opportunities for Vietnam to Export Tilapia to the US

Large and Diverse Market Demand: The US has a high demand for tilapia, including fresh and frozen products. The decline from traditional suppliers opens up opportunities for other countries, including Vietnam, to participate and expand their market share.​

Favorable natural conditions: Vietnam has ideal climate and water resources for tilapia farming. The average temperature of 27-32°C is the ideal environment for the development of this fish species. The farming period is 4-6 months with a density of 150-200 fish/m², depending on water quality, allowing for efficient production and meeting market demand. ​

Experience and developed infrastructure: Vietnam has significant experience in farming and exporting aquatic products such as pangasius. The development of seed production centers and technical training for farmers help ensure the supply of quality seeds and advanced farming techniques. Currently, An Giang province has become a center for the development of tilapia farming for export, with support from the An Giang Aquatic Seed Production Center. ​

Challenges for Vietnam

Tilapia breeds: Despite the potential, domestic tilapia breed production has not met the demand in terms of quantity and quality, affecting the plan to expand farming and export. Vietnam's tilapia breed sources are not good, not self-sufficient in breed sources but have to depend on imports. Nearly 100% of breeds in the North must be imported from China and there is a shortage of breeds in winter.

Policy mechanism: There is a lack of value chain linkage when production organization is fragmented, lacking close linkage between stages from breed production, farming to processing and consumption. This leads to difficulties in controlling the quality and building a brand for Vietnamese tilapia products; There is no synchronous support policy: Although the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has identified tilapia as one of the four main aquaculture species, support policies on capital, technology, and market have not been implemented synchronously and effectively; Insufficient application of quality standards: The application of standards such as VietGAP in tilapia farming is still limited, leading to difficulties in ensuring quality and food safety, affecting competitiveness in the international market. ​

Competition from major suppliers: The US tilapia market is currently dominated by suppliers from China, Indonesia and Latin American countries. China, despite a slight decrease in exports, still maintains a strong position. Vietnam will have to face fierce competition on price and quality to gain market share. ​

High quality and food safety requirements: The US applies strict standards on food quality and safety. Vietnamese businesses need to invest in technology, quality management and comply with regulations to meet these requirements.

Trade barriers and tariffs: Facing trade defense measures, anti-dumping duties or other technical barriers may affect the competitiveness of Vietnamese tilapia in the US. Businesses need to closely monitor trade policies and have appropriate response strategies.

There is no denying the potential and export value of tilapia - one of the best-selling white fish in the US. However, to be competitive with the Chinese giant in this market, Vietnam will need more time to perfect and upgrade the factors that create quality products.

In addition to efforts to compete with China in the US, Vietnamese enterprises can research and develop this product in other markets to diversify and "educate" consumers.

Source: VASEP