Vietnam tuna exports to the EU “reversed” in the Q3 of 2022

Cumulatively in the first 9 months of the year, tuna export turnover to this bloc reached more than 123 million USD, up 16% over the same period.

One of the reasons for this growth is that the markets soon enter the peak season to serve the year-end holiday. In addition, the veda ban in the EPO area from July 29 and lasted for 72 days has reduced the supply of tuna to the EU market from this area. Moreover, the price of tuna in the Manta region, Ecuador is much different from that in the area of Bangkok, Thailand, so the EU tends to strongly increase tuna imports from Asian countries at this time. In this context, Vietnam's tuna products with tariff advantages under the EVFTA agreement are more competitive than countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia or Thailand.

This year, due to high sea freight costs, EU canners are reluctant to ship their goods through the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, which will add to the cost of their CFR bills. Therefore, countries such as Germany, Belgium, Romania or France tend to reduce indirect imports through the port of Rotterdam, increase direct imports.

Cumulatively in the first 9 months of the year, Vietnam tuna export turnover to the EU reached more than 123 million USD, up 16% over the same period.

According to the statistics of Vietnam Customs,  Italy used to be one of the three major tuna import markets of Vietnam, this year exports to this market decreased by 70% and dropped to 7th position. Along with Italy, exports to Spain, one of the three largest import markets, also decreased. However, Germany and Belgium tended to increase during this period, especially exports to Belgium increased by 111% over the same period.

In addition, exports to some other EU markets are also increasing strongly over the same period, such as Romania up 102%, France up 155% and Denmark up 305%.

Currently, there are more than 50 enterprises participating in exporting tuna to the EU. Bidifisco, Tuna Vietnam and FoodTech are the 3 largest tuna exporters to this market, accounting for 45% of the country's total tuna export turnover to the EU.

Inflation in Europe is forecasted to still increase, tuna consumption in this market will continue to increase, especially for canned tuna products. However, the devaluation of the Euro against the US dollar is making canned tuna products expensive for Europeans. Therefore, European importers will tend to increase imports of raw tuna from sources with competitive prices and advantages in terms of position. Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU in the last months of the year will therefore continue to increase over the same period in 2021.

Compiled by Thuy Linh