(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2022, Belgium was Vietnam's third-largest tuna import market in the EU, with a growth rate of 65% compared to 2021. However, in 2023, tuna exports to Belgium have declined under the impact of inflation. Belgium is no longer one of Vietnam's three largest tuna import markets in the EU
According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, tuna exports to Belgium have continuously decreased so far this year. Cumulatively, in the first 10 months of 2023, tuna exports to Belgium reached more than 9 million USD, down 48% compared to the same period in 2022.
Compared to the previous year, exports of frozen tuna loin/meat products HS code 0304, Vietnam's main export product to Belgium, decreased sharply by 55%. Meanwhile, exports of processed and canned tuna increased by 7%.
Vietnam is currently the 4th largest non-EU supplier of tuna to the Belgian market, after Ecuador, the Philippines, and Ivory Coast. In 2023, Belgium reduces tuna imports from Vietnam and Ecuador while increasing tuna imports from the Philippines and Ivory Coast.
According to Eurostat statistics, Belgium's canned tuna imports in the first 8 months of 2023 increased by 13%, while frozen tuna meat/loin imports decreased by 49% over the same period.
The COVID-19 epidemic and lower purchasing power have changed the consumption habits of Belgians. Consumers go to traditional restaurants less often and go to fast food restaurants more often because the dishes there are cheaper. In addition, consumers are often splitting their purchases more, buying smaller quantities, and switching to cheaper products to accommodate the new reality of their purchasing power. Therefore, the demand for cheap canned tuna products increases.