Fish that the US rates as better than salmon, Vietnam exports nearly 3 million USD/2 months

When it comes to high-quality fish protein sources, salmon is often the top choice for many people.

However, few people know that tilapia - a popular fish in Vietnam - has a higher protein content than salmon, and also contains many other essential nutrients that are beneficial for health.

Tilapia has a higher protein content than salmon. (Illustration photo from the Internet)

Tilapia - a rich source of protein, with outstanding nutritional value

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100g of tilapia contains up to 26g of protein, while the same amount of salmon only provides about 20g. This is an impressive number, showing that tilapia is not only an accessible food but also very nutritious.

In addition to protein, tilapia also provides important micronutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vitamins B3, B9, B12, D and choline. These nutrients support immune system enhancement, cardiovascular health, improved brain function and metabolism.

Tilapia is nutritious and good for health. (Illustration photo from the Internet)

Tilapia is also low in saturated fat but contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – the types of fats recommended by the American Heart Association to lower bad cholesterol and protect heart health.

Health Benefits of Consuming Tilapia

Not only outstanding in protein content, tilapia also brings many other health benefits:

Supports weight control: Low calories and high protein content help create a feeling of fullness for a long time, thereby supporting effective weight control.

Protect the cardiovascular system: The good fatty acids in fish help regulate cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Good for bones: Tilapia contains vitamin D and calcium – two essential ingredients for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.

Reduced cancer risk: Selenium – a mineral abundant in tilapia – is believed to help prevent certain cancers.

Tilapia can be used to make many delicious dishes. (Illustration photo from the Internet)

Not only popular in Vietnam, tilapia is also especially favored by international consumers, especially in the US. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), tilapia is one of the 10 most consumed seafood in the US, behind only shrimp and salmon.

Each year, the US imports between 19,700 and 26,700 tons of fresh tilapia fillets. In the first two months of 2025, Vietnam exported more than 5 million USD worth of tilapia, of which the US market alone accounted for nearly 3 million USD – equivalent to 47% of total tilapia export turnover.

Tilapia production in Vietnam is very large. (Illustration photo from the Internet)

Realizing the great export potential, Vietnam has invested in expanding tilapia farming areas in many provinces and cities such as Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Nghe An. By 2024, the tilapia farming area nationwide will reach about 30,000 hectares, with a harvest output of up to 300,000 tons.

In addition to the US, Russia is also a potential market with the total export turnover of tilapia from Vietnam in the first two months of 2025 reaching more than 1 million USD, accounting for 21% of total exports to markets.

Source saostar

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/loai-ca-duoc-my-danh-gia-tot-hon-ca-hoi-viet-nam-xuat-khau-gan-3-trieu-do-2-thang-a188818.html