Have you heard that Brazil is importing tilapia from Vietnam? The news has caused concern among Brazilian fish producers, who fear losing market share to a foreign competitor. But is it?

Tilapia fish on top of a rock with a greenish lake bottom. – Photo: Agência Brasil/Reproduction

According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, there is no cause for concern. In an official note, the organization clarified that there are no commercial negotiations between Brazil and Vietnam on the import of tilapia from this country. In addition, there is currently no application for a license to import tilapia from Vietnam registered with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

The reason for this confusion was the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Trinh to Brazil, which took place from September 23 to 25. On this occasion, the two countries signed four Terms of Science and Technology Cooperation and other documents related to technical cooperation, which provide for the exchange of data and information. All these agreements have been duly made public by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can be accessed by any citizen.

Therefore, there is no reason for mistrust or fear. Brazil continues to be one of the largest producers and consumers of tilapia in the world, with a strong and competitive domestic market. Cooperation with Vietnam is aimed only at strengthening ties between the two countries and promoting sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture.