(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, tuna exports in April 2024 grew high in most main markets. Tuna export value this month reached nearly 87 million USD, an increase of 29%. Accumulated in the first 4 months of 2024, export turnover reached nearly 302 million USD, an increase of 22%.
Exports of tuna HS code 16 are increasing
In the past 5 years, Vietnam's processed and canned tuna exports have tended to increase. In the first 4 months of the year alone, the export turnover of this product group has increased from 91 million USD in 2020 to 154 million USD in 2024, an increase of 70%. In particular, Vietnam's canned tuna exports are gradually recovering, higher than the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the contrary, exports of fresh and frozen tuna, mainly frozen tuna meat or loin with the HS code 0304 code, are unstable. After peaking in 2022, exports of this product group decreased sharply. Entering 2024, exports of these products have increased again, but the increase is not high—up 6% over the same period.
According to experts' forecasts, convenience is key for shoppers, and value-added seafood that is pre-marinated or ready to heat and eat will continue to attract buyers looking to create combination meals to combine cooking with prepared dishes. Therefore, the consumption demand for processed and canned tuna products will improve soon.
Exports to major markets accelerated
In April 2024, Vietnamese tuna products were exported to more than 90 markets. In particular, tuna exports to main markets such as the US, EU, Israel, Canada, Japan, and Mexico all increased faster.
In the US and EU markets, Russia, and Korea, the export growth rate in April 2024 compared to the same period doubled compared to the previous month, reaching 37%, 71%, 32%, and 158%, respectively. Notably, in the EU market, exports to the three leading markets, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, all grew "gallopingly" at three digits.
Along with that, tuna exports to some markets have reversed and increased, such as Japan, which increased by 33%, and Mexico, which increased by 43%.
However, according to businesses, this growth is due to a decrease in inventory in the markets, but actually market demand is still better.