(vasep.com.vn) During the last 3 years, Thailand tuna exports have been decreasing. The total value of Thai tuna exports fell from US$ 2.76 billion in 2012 to US$ 2.4 billion in 2014.
In 2014, Thailand tuna exports declined by 10% over 2013. Canned tuna made up nearly 97% of total Thailand tuna exports.
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Thailand tunas are exported to over 153 countries all over the globe.
The US, EU, Australia and Japan are biggest importing markets for tuna from Thailand in 2014. Thailand tuna exports to its major markets declined by value as raw tuna prices were lower. Exports to US, the largest import market, reached over US$ 474 million, down 9% year on year. Exports to the EU-28 valued over US$ 265 million, down 40%. Exports to Australia reached US$ 215 million, down nearly 9% and exports to Japan reached more than US$ 197 million, down more than 12%.
Meanwhile, exports to emerging markets such as the Middle East, West Africa and South America reported positive growth. In particular, exports to Jordan increased by 75% and to Peru rose by 98%.
As skipjack raw material prices fell, average export price for canned tuna from Thailand to the US and EU fluctuated. After a surge in July, canned tuna exports to the US suddenly dropped as the ban on fish aggregating device (FAD) came into effect. Tuna exported to the EU experienced stable prices until the early 2014, when prices fell to the level in the US. This greatly influenced canned tuna exports of Thailand.
The EU is imposing tax on tuna products from Thailand, which is as high as 24%. It is noted that this is double from tuna tax of the US exported to EU (12.5%), and much higher than 0% tariff for Australia and Japan. Annual growth of tuna exports remained at 5-10% while Thai companies are good at expanding their business in different markets.
It is forecast that in 2015, Thailand tuna exports will rise from the level of 2014, but less speedy.