Germany becomes Vietnam’s largest tuna import market in the EU

In 2021, Germany was Vietnam’s second largest tuna import market in the EU with a value of 23.4 million USD, a decrease of 5% compared to 2020. However, in 2022, the export situation has changed. In the first 3 months of 2022, the tuna export value to this market reached nearly 7 million USD, up 59% over the same period in 2021.

At the beginning of 2022, there are 18 enterprises participating in exporting tuna to Germany. In which, the 3 largest exporters to this market are Bidifisco, FoodTech and KTCFood with the proportions of 34%, 22% and 19% respectively.

Of all tuna products, Vietnam's exports of canned tuna products and frozen tuna meat/loin to this market increased sharply this year, by 59% and 136% respectively.

Germany increased their imports of these two products; one of the reasons was because the preferential tariff quotas agreed in the EVFTA restarted in the first months of 2022 and they are promoting Vietnam's tuna exports to this market. Besides, entering the year 2022, the inventory of canned tuna in Germany has decreased to a low level, which increased import demand.

Vietnam is currently the fifth largest tuna supplier outside the EU bloc to Germany after Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Ecuador and the Philippines. Vietnam's tuna products accounted for about 7% of Germany's total tuna imports in the first month of 2022. While Germany increased tuna imports from Vietnam, tuna imports from Thailand and the Philippines decreased. This indicates the advantages of tariffs that are making Vietnam’s tuna products attractive.

Compiled by Phuong Linh