According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, tuna export turnover in May reached more than 91 million USD - the highest since the beginning of the year and increased by 8% over the same period in 2024. This is a positive signal for the tuna industry in the context of facing a series of uncertainties in geopolitics and global trade policies.
The US continues to be the leading market, accounting for 41% of the total value of tuna exports in the first 5 months of the year. Followed by the EU and Thailand with the figures of 23% and 4%, respectively.
In contrast, exports to the EU fell 11% in May, although key markets such as the Netherlands and Italy still saw slight increases. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, prolonged tensions between Israel and Iran have caused tuna exports to Israel to decrease by 42%. The Saudi Arabian and UAE markets also recorded declines of 89% and 52%, respectively.
Another bright spot comes from countries participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Export value to these countries increased by 25% in May, showing that the market diversification strategy is effective. Japan and Canada are the two leading markets in the market with positive growth.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, this shows that the trend of market diversification is becoming a "exit" chosen by many businesses, not only to spread risks but also to anticipate new export opportunities.
