Vietnam tuna exports to Germany increased slightly

Exports to Germany account for 9% of total tuna exports from Vietnam. In the two first months of this year, exports to this market increased by 11% in January and 0.8% in February.

Data from Vietnam Customs showed that as of 15/03/2015, Vietnam's tuna exports to Germany valued US$ 7.4 million, up 1% year on year. Canned tuna was the main export product, giving Vietnam US$ 6.2 million, accounting for 84% of total tuna exports from Vietnam to Germany.

Germany is the world's 6th biggest market for canned tuna. The market is heavily dependent on imports. As the consumption of this fish grows, especially for processed products, the  import demand for canned tuna increased. However, as the leading economy in the Europe, Germany is affected by crisis in Europe and volatility of the euro. This explains the decrease in tuna imports.

Statistics from International Trade Centre (ITC) revealed that Germany imported canned tuna from 29 countries in 2014 with the value reaching US$ 360 million, down 16% compared to 2013. In 2014, Germany imported tuna from 36 countries with the value of US$ 374.8 million, down 15% year on year.  Ecuador was the largest supplier, followed by the Netherlands, the Philippines, Papua News Guinea and Vietnam. In the past 4 years, most of tuna Ecuador offered in Germany were canned . 

With its favorable geographical position, Germany is considered as a distribution hub to  other markets in Europe. Therefore, exports to Germany will be a promising opportunity expand markets to other countries in the EU.

Tuna from Vietnam was offered at competitive price in Germany, lower than Ecuador's, which can reach highest US$ 5,045/MT.

GSP for Vietnam has been taken effect since early 2014 but market awaits FTA between Vietnam and EU.