Egypt emerges as a bright spot for Vietnamese tuna exports

According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Egypt reached USD 7.3 million in the first four months of 2026, up 69% from USD 4.3 million in the same period of 2025 and significantly higher than the USD 2.2 million recorded during the same period in 2024. Notably, exports increased substantially in each of the first four months of 2026, suggesting that growth is not the result of isolated orders but rather reflects a broader market recovery.

This growth becomes even more meaningful when viewed against Egypt’s overall import trend. According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), Egypt’s tuna imports from global suppliers increased from USD 133 million in 2024 to USD 175 million in 2025, representing growth of more than 31%. Among major suppliers, Thailand remained the dominant source with exports valued at USD 142 million in 2025, while Vietnam ranked ahead of several competitors, including China, Indonesia, and Italy, with exports worth USD 25 million. The figures indicate that while Egypt is expanding its tuna imports, the market remains highly concentrated among a few key suppliers, creating opportunities for Vietnam but also intense competition.

Market recovery driven by demand for canned tuna

Market signals continue to support this positive trend. Canned tuna currently accounts for more than 82% of Vietnam’s tuna export value to Egypt, with the remainder consisting of other processed tuna products and frozen tuna loins. At the same time, Egyptian importers are increasingly seeking alternative suppliers beyond Thailand to diversify sourcing and reduce dependence on a single market.

This development is particularly important for Vietnamese exporters. Egypt is not primarily a premium seafood market. Rather, it is a large consumer market that is highly price-sensitive but maintains stable demand for convenient, shelf-stable, and widely distributed food products. The Egyptian packaged tuna market was estimated at approximately USD 478 million in 2025, with canned tuna remaining the largest product segment.

Opportunities are growing, but Thailand remains the dominant competitor

An analysis of Egypt’s tuna import structure in 2025 shows that Thailand continues to dominate the market, accounting for the majority of the country’s tuna imports. Although Vietnam is experiencing rapid growth, its export volume remains significantly smaller. This suggests that opportunities lie mainly in capturing additional market share rather than fundamentally altering the existing supply landscape.

Competitive pressure is therefore likely to focus on three key factors: price competitiveness, supply reliability, and product suitability for Egyptian consumer preferences, which continue to favor canned tuna and convenience-oriented products. Even as the market expands, increased demand will not automatically translate into advantages for all suppliers.

Import conditions in Egypt are becoming more favorable

Another supportive factor is the apparent improvement in Egypt’s import environment. The country has gradually emerged from a prolonged foreign currency shortage that lasted for approximately two years. As a result, import activities have improved, creating more favorable conditions for foreign suppliers, including Vietnamese exporters.

However, this does not mean businesses can afford to be complacent. Egypt continues to strengthen import and export management measures for a range of essential products in an effort to stabilize domestic supply and prices. Although these measures do not specifically target tuna at present, they indicate that Egypt’s trade environment can change rapidly, particularly for food and processed products.

Significant potential remains, but market positioning is critical

From a strategic perspective, Egypt is a market that deserves greater investment and attention from Vietnamese tuna exporters. The nearly 70% increase recorded during the first four months of 2026 is highly significant, particularly as it coincides with broader growth in the country’s overall tuna imports.

Nevertheless, success in Egypt will depend on targeting the right market segments. In the short term, canned tuna is likely to remain the strongest-performing product category, followed by frozen tuna loins and standardized processed tuna products. Exporters should prioritize maintaining competitive pricing, ensuring stable supply, offering suitable packaging, and securing safe payment arrangements.

If these factors are managed effectively, Egypt could become a major growth market for Vietnamese tuna exports in 2026 and in the years ahead.