There are 15 countries in the Middle East that are currently importing tuna from Vietnam, of which Israel and Egypt are the two largest importers. Notably in the Middle East market, Israel and Saudi Arabia are the 4th and 5th largest tuna importers in this period.
In 2022, after the double shock of the Covid-19 epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the inflation rate in Middle Eastern countries increased, especially Israel. Besides, transportation costs and increased tuna prices have reduced the demand for tuna imports to this market, especially in Israel. However, exports to Saudi Arabia are on a strong upward trend this year, with a continuous growth of 3-4 digits over the same period.
Vietnam's tuna exports to this market block in the first 8 months of 2022 increased by 40%, reaching nearly $66 million
Currently, Middle Eastern countries mainly import frozen tuna meat/loin products with HS code 0304, accounting for 50% of the total value of tuna exports to this market, followed by canned tuna accounting for 28% and tuna. Other processing with HS16 code accounted for 22%.
In 2021, there are 31 enterprises participating in exporting tuna to this market. In which, companies belonging to Hai Vuong Group, Tithico, Tan Phat Food and Bidifisco are the companies that export the most to this market segment.
In the Middle East market, Vietnam is the third largest tuna supplier after Thailand and Indonesia. Thailand is the largest supplier, accounting for nearly 55%, followed by Indonesia 9%, Vietnam 7% and China 6%. It can be seen that Thailand's tuna supply is very far from the supply of Vietnam, while China is very close.
Currently, the price of tuna imported from Thailand tends to increase. To reduce dependence on supply from this country, many Middle East importers are turning to other tuna suppliers such as Indonesia, Vietnam or China.
|
Top 10 tuna suppliers to Middle East (outside the block) (thousand USD) |
|||
|
Suppiler |
2020 |
2021 |
Change (%) |
|
Thailand |
534,497 |
460,177 |
-13.9 |
|
Indonesia |
111,397 |
80,305 |
-27.9 |
|
Vietnam |
52,773 |
59,896 |
13.5 |
|
China |
42,748 |
53,418 |
25.0 |
|
Italy |
33,987 |
29,211 |
-14.1 |
|
Seychelles |
10,411 |
23,528 |
126.0 |
|
Spain |
17,938 |
20,072 |
11.9 |
|
Sri Lanka |
6,639 |
12,227 |
84.2 |
|
India |
10,164 |
10,875 |
7.0 |
|
Ghana |
24,105 |
7,647 |
-68.3 |
Compiled by Thuy Linh
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho City statistics indicate that in 2025, following the merger of three former administrative entities - Can Tho, Hau Giang and Soc Trang - fisheries output in 2025 increased by 6.23% compared with 2024 with aquaculture production nearly 9.1 times higher than capture fisheries.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ca Mau province has achieved significant, comprehensive and substantive progress in combating IUU fishing in 2025, successfully fulfilling all tasks directed by the central government and strengthening fisheries governance. These efforts have established a solid foundation for the nationwide effort to lift the EC’s "yellow card" warning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau has exceeded its 2025 production targets, reaching nearly 595,000 tons of shrimp. This milestone reinforces the province’s position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp producer and a bright spot in the country’s seafood sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, cumulative shrimp exports from the beginning of the year through November reached $4.3 billion, up 21% year-on-year, continuing to serve as the primary growth driver of the entire seafood sector. In November alone, export turnover amounted to $393 million, up 14%.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, the fisheries sector continued to stand out as a bright spot in Ca Mau’s economic landscape, maintaining positive growth in both output and value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) By the end of November 2025, Vietnam’s total pangasius export turnover had exceeded the $2 billion threshold, registering a 9% compared with the same period in 2024. In November alone, pangasius exports reached $195 million, also posting a 9% increase year-on-year, underscoring a stable recovery trajectory for the sector in the final months of the year.
Building on over three decades of trusted leadership, VASEP is proactively shaping a Dynamic Knowledge Ecosystem where data is transformed into actionable value and forward-looking insights for the business community
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
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