Tuna exports to emerging markets on the rise

Tuna exports rose by 22% to US$328 million in the first seven months against the same period last year, according to latest statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Exports of most tuna products enjoy growth, particularly canned tuna saw the highest growth rate of 32.3%, trailed by fresh, frozen and dried tuna products (up 14%).

Tuna products have been exported to more than 70 countries in the world. The US, EU, Israel, ASEAN, Japan, Mexico, Canada and China were major importers of Vietnam tuna products in seven months, accounting for 88% of its total export value.

Most export markets obtained growth in July. For instance, tuna exports to the US inched up 8% to US$20 million while exports to the EU increased by 23% to US$69 million against the same period last year. It’s noteworthy that exports to Italy rose sharply in July after seeing constant decline since early this year. Exports to the market in the period skyrocketed 166% to US$1.2 million.

Israel surpassed ASEAN and Japan to become the third largest consumer of Vietnam tuna in the first 7 months with US$28 million, up 155%.

In recent times, as tuna consumption demands in traditional markets like the US, EU and Japan seem to come to a grinding halt, Vietnam tuna exporters shift to emerging markets in the Middle East, especially Israel.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers forecast that tuna exports to the US and EU will increase slowly late this year while exports to new markets will witness strong rise.