Export turnover growth impressive
Sharing with Lao Dong reporter, a representative of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers - VASEP said that as of October 2024, the total export turnover of tuna reached more than 821 million USD, an increase of 18% over the same period last year. In October alone, the export value reached nearly 93 million USD, an increase of 22% over the same period in 2023.
This result reflects the industry's recovery from the pandemic, and also shows that global demand for tuna is increasing significantly.
Traditional markets such as the US and EU continue to play an important role, while some emerging markets also recorded impressive growth. Vietnamese tuna products, especially canned tuna, are highly competitive in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Italy.
The global consumption of tuna is on the rise, especially processed and canned products. Vietnam has been quick to seize this opportunity, with canned tuna exports increasing by 51% in the first four months of 2024. Vietnam’s processed products are highly regarded for their guaranteed quality and compliance with international standards.
With the change in global consumption trends, processed tuna products, especially canned tuna, are increasingly popular due to their convenience, long shelf life and nutritional needs. The new direction focusing on processed and canned tuna has become an important driving force for Vietnam's tuna export industry to achieve impressive growth. VASEP stated that this growth was driven by high demand for processed and canned tuna products. These are also the two products with the largest export value of Vietnam.
Many support policies
To promote tuna exports - one of Vietnam's strategic seafood products, the Government has been implementing many practical support policies. These policies not only aim to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese tuna products in the international market but also ensure the sustainable development of the industry.
In recent times, our country has focused on negotiating and signing free trade agreements such as EVFTA, RCEP and other FTAs, creating favorable conditions for tuna exports to major markets... The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has opened up great opportunities to penetrate the Middle East market.
Tuna exporting enterprises are also given priority access to preferential credit capital to invest in equipment, processing and preservation technology, and support the improvement of production processes. This is especially important in the context of high input costs and unstable raw material supply. The Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinates with relevant agencies to implement a national trade promotion program, helping enterprises promote tuna products at international fairs and connect directly with potential partners.
With strong growth momentum, the Vietnamese tuna industry is expected to continue to achieve great success in 2025. However, to maintain sustainable development, the industry needs to focus on rational exploitation and compliance with international standards on marine environmental protection. At the same time, market expansion, product diversification and quality improvement are still key factors to maintain its position in the international market.
