Brazil’s fish farming industry has started 2025 with a historic milestone, recording its highest ever quarterly export value. Between January and March, the country exported US$18.5 million worth of farmed fish, representing a 112 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

Export volumes also saw a significant rise, reaching 3,938 tonnes – an 89 per cent increase year-on-year. Tilapia continues to dominate Brazilian aquaculture exports by a wide margin. In the first quarter of 2025, tilapia accounted for US$17 million in revenue, making up 92 per cent of the sector’s total export value. This marked a 105 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2024. In volume terms, over 3,455 tonnes of tilapia were exported.

Among native species, curimata stood out with US$580,000 in exports, reflecting a 333 per cent increase. Tambaqui also performed well, with US$479,000 exported in the quarter. Meanwhile, pacu saw a percentage increase.

According to
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Andre de Paula, the figures are the result of sustained federal efforts to boost the sector. He highlighted the government’s work alongside the Ministry of Agriculture in opening new international markets and advancing key structural measures such as aquaculture licensing.

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