Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK rise 12%, with further market share gains still possible

News 08:38 12/10/2026 Phuong Linh
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK grew in the first eight months of 2026, despite signs of slowing import demand in the market. However, sharp fluctuations in orders, competition from major suppliers, and new traceability requirements are creating challenges for Vietnamese exporters.

Export growth remains uneven

According to data from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK reached nearly US$7 million in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year-on-year from the same period in 2025.

Notably, export performance fluctuated considerably from month to month, indicating that shipments to the UK have yet to stabilize. Given the relatively small export value, changes in delivery schedules or the volume of individual orders can significantly affect monthly results.

Vietnam gains market share in the UK

According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), the UK imported approximately US$356 million worth of tuna in the first seven months of 2026, down 2% year-on-year.

Ecuador remained the largest supplier, with exports worth US$93 million, down 13%. Mauritius ranked second at US$54 million, up 46%. Other major suppliers included Seychelles at US$40 million, Ghana at US$30 million, and Spain at US$27 million.

Meanwhile, UK tuna imports from Vietnam reached US$7 million, up 70%, placing Vietnam 12th among the market’s suppliers. Vietnam’s market share increased from approximately 1% to 2%.

Vietnam’s growth amid a decline in the UK’s overall imports indicates that opportunities to expand market share remain. However, the gap between Vietnam and leading suppliers is still considerable.

Competition intensifies as market requirements tighten

Vietnam benefits from its processing capabilities, export experience, and tariff preferences under the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA). These advantages can help exporters strengthen customer relationships and develop higher-value products.

However, key challenges include Vietnam’s relatively small export scale, inconsistent orders, and reliance on imported raw materials. Meanwhile, Ecuador, Mauritius, and Seychelles maintain significant positions in the UK tuna supply chain.

Beyond price and quality competition, exporters must also comply with increasingly stringent raw material traceability requirements. In particular, from 26 November 2026, the UK is expected to strengthen the information requirements for catch certificates to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

This will require exporters to review raw material records, catch documentation, and processing records proactively to minimize risks during export procedures.

Based on the first eight months’ performance, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK could continue growing in 2026. If orders are sustained, full-year export value could reach approximately US$9–10 million. However, this remains a forecast scenario, as the sharp decline in August highlights the market’s continued volatility.

Going forward, exporters should make more effective use of the UKVFTA, develop value-added processed products, diversify their customer base, and strengthen traceability systems.

The UK remains a promising market for Vietnamese tuna. However, to turn current growth into a lasting competitive advantage, exporters will need to focus on product quality, supply consistency, and their ability to meet increasingly demanding importer requirements.

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Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK rise 12%, with further market share gains still possible

 |  08:38 12/10/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UK grew in the first eight months of 2026, despite signs of slowing import demand in the market. However, sharp fluctuations in orders, competition from major suppliers, and new traceability requirements are creating challenges for Vietnamese exporters.

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