New milestone of Vietnamese seafood

The turning point of faith

This event is not only an export deal but also a strategic milestone, opening a new chapter in the Vietnam - Brazil Strategic Partnership, when political cooperation gradually transforms into substantive economic cooperation. Brazil is a country with more than 215 million people, considered a large food market in the world. According to Mr. Doan Toi - General Director of Navico, the penetration of Vietnamese tilapia into the JBS distribution system has a meaning far beyond a commercial contract. "The Brazilian market is the gateway to the entire South American region. Conquering JBS is a testament to the processing capacity, product quality and position of Vietnamese enterprises on the world seafood map," said Mr. Toi.

The two sides performed the ceremony to export the first batch of goods. Photo: MINH HIEN

In recent years, pangasius and shrimp have remained the main export products for Vietnam's seafood exports. In the past 2 years, tilapia has emerged strongly, especially in the US market, growing more than 170% in 8 months of 2025. Now, with its presence in Brazil, tilapia is becoming a "new candidate" in the strategic product group. This move shows the dynamism of Vietnamese enterprises in taking advantage of the supply gap when China reduces exports and the demand for seafood in the Americas increases.

“Before the event of the order of 700 tons of tilapia from Vietnam imported by JBS Group to distribute in the supermarket system, restaurants, and hotels in Brazil, farmers were extremely excited because from now on the province's seafood industry will open a new chapter, a new product in which we have an advantage,” shared Ms. Trieu Thi Lam - a resident of Binh Hoa commune.

According to the plan, the first container will arrive at Santos port (Brazil) on December 17, opening a series of 32 containers of tilapia exported to this market, affirming the large-scale and stable supply capacity of Vietnamese enterprises. Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan affirmed: "The fact that a global corporation like JBS chose Nam Viet as a partner shows strategic confidence in the quality and stable supply capacity of our country. Navico's frozen tilapia fillet products have passed strict inspection rounds on food safety, traceability and processing technology, meeting the standards of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA)".

Strategic significance

In the context of Vietnam's seafood exports facing barriers in the US, Europe, and Japan, opening the South American market is of strategic significance, helping to reduce risks when depending on traditional markets, while at the same time, opening up new growth space. This event also creates the premise for other products such as tra fish, basa fish, and shrimp to expand exports to the South American region. Mr. Le Minh Hoan commented that if Navico maintains quality and expands scale, Brazil can become Vietnam's largest and most stable tilapia export market in the near future.

However, challenges come with opportunities, so Vietnamese enterprises need to maintain consistent quality, upgrade international standards (ASC, BRCGS, GlobalGAP), manage supply chains and long-distance logistics to ensure goods reach customers on time and maintain quality. Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil, Bui Van Nghi, commented: “Navico's success shows the cooperation between the State and enterprises in the market expansion strategy. The Government supports diplomacy , enterprises pioneer implementation, thereby forming an effective linkage model in the process of international economic integration”.

Mr. Le Minh Hoan sent a congratulatory letter to Navico: “The good news of 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia entering the Brazilian market for the first time is not only the pride of Nam Viet but also the joy of the entire seafood industry of the country. Amidst the waves of the international market, the fish raised on the alluvium of the Mekong Delta have reached the ocean, telling the story of a hardworking, creative and persistent Vietnam rising from the hands of farmers.”

Mr. Le Minh Hoan also emphasized that Nam Viet not only exports products but also exports confidence, courage and vision. Each successful order is a testament to the ability to integrate, to the resonance between responsibility to global consumers and love for the homeland and country.

From the freshwater of the Mekong Delta to the ocean-going ships, Navico's tilapia shipments carry the belief, aspiration and Vietnamese spirit - symbolizing the new stature of the Vietnamese economy, knowing how to go further with quality, prestige and responsibility to the world.

MINH HIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/dau-moc-moi-cua-thuy-san-viet-nam-a466983.html