Vietnams tuna exports to EU surge thanks to EVFTA

Thanks to EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), Vietnam’s tuna exports to the EU in September skyrocketed to 11.9 million USD (up 13.3% inter-monthly), according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

On October 10, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinated with the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province to organize a conference on promoting tuna production by chains, fighting against IUU fishing (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing) and exporting tuna to the European market under EVFTA agreement, Zing News reported.

According to the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, since the EVFTA took effect in early August, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the EU has witnessed a considerable increase with 11.4 million USD (up 8.6%) in August and 11.9 million USD (up 13.3% compared to the previous months) in September.

“EVFTA has offered prospects for Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU in the last months of 2020. It also creates momentum for seafood exports in the future ", said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien.

Tien also noted that in order to ensure sustainability, it is necessary for the localities to guide fishermen and businesses catching tuna in line with international commitments, fighting against IUU fishing as well as strictly comply with regulations on food safety and hygiene, intellectual property.

Ruben Saornll Minguez, representative of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, a member of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam said EU has strict regulations on the quality of imported seafood.

“Vietnam is the third-largest seafood exporter in the world. Meanwhile, EU market has a high demand for seafood, averaging 22 kg/person/year” said Ruben Saornll Minguez, adding that if Vietnam fully implements regulations on IUU, goods traceability, and food safety, plus the exemption or reduction of tax, the country’s seafood exports will certainly enjoy vigorous increase.