The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) stated that Brazil's decision to lift the import ban on tilapia, along with negotiations to open its market to Vietnamese pangasius fish, has brought positive news and effects to the seafood industry.

Previously, Brazil officially halted imports of tilapia products from Vietnam starting from February 14, 2024, until a risk assessment on TiLV virus-related diseases was concluded.

However, Vietnam's tilapia exports to Brazil have been minimal. Citing statistics from Vietnam Customs, VASEP noted that tilapia exports to Brazil have been nearly nonexistent over the past five consecutive years. Brazil primarily imports pangasius fish from Vietnam, with pangasius accounting for up to 90% of seafood imports from Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Trade Office in Brazil stated that upcoming negotiations between the two sides will focus on completing the final technical steps for Brazil to permit imports of all types of pangasius fillet products in accordance with internationally recognized standards and practices.

Therefore, Brazil’s opening of its market to pangasius and allowing the re-export of tilapia will create significant opportunities for Vietnamese seafood exporters. This will contribute to increasing export value, gradually balancing trade relations, and moving toward the goal of achieving bilateral trade turnover of $15 billion by 2030.

According to Vietnam Customs data, in Q1 2025, pangasius exports to Brazil reached $55 million, marking a 67% increase compared to the same period last year and maintaining Brazil’s position as Vietnam’s third-largest pangasius importer, following China and the United States.