In 2015, Vietnam’s frozen tuna fillets/loins exports to the U.S. went up nearly 51% compared to 2014. Other processed tuna products exported to the market saw a sharp rise of nearly 58%. Exports of the other products reported the decline.
According to the statistics of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2015, tuna imports into the U.S. declined in both value and volumes with over US$ 1.45 billion and nearly 266,000 MT, down 6% and 8%, respectively, compared to 2014.
Processed and canned tuna were the main products imported into the market, accounting for 75% of the total tuna imports by the U.S. in 2015. However, canned tuna imports of the U.S. last year witnessed a decrease with the total value of US$636 million and the volume of 200,000 MT, down 39% and 14%, respectively, year on year.
Meanwhile, fresh/live/frozen tuna imports (HS code 03) of the U.S. went up with the value of US$817 million, and the volume of 67,000MT, up 60 % and 21%, respectively over 2014.
Thailand currently stays to be the largest tuna supplier out of 62 suppliers to the U.S., accounting for nearly 27% of total imports, followed by Indonesia with 11% and Vietnam with 10%.
In 2015, while tuna exports from Thailand to the U.S. reduced, exports of Indonesia and Vietnam to the U.S. rose.
In 2016, tuna imports into the U.S. from Thailand are forecast to continue the fall due to allegations of forced labor, while Indonesia and Vietnam's tuna exports to the market expected to climb up thanks to free trade agreements.
|
TUNA IMPORTS INTO THE U.S. (Volume: MT, value: US$ thousand) |
||||||
|
Products |
2014 |
2015 |
Variation (%) |
|||
|
Value |
Volume |
Value |
Volume |
Value |
Volume |
|
|
Total |
1,552,066 |
288,636 |
1,453,819 |
266,416 |
-6 |
-8 |
|
Processed and canned tuna (HS16) |
1,041,471 |
233,276 |
636,332 |
199,546 |
-39 |
-14 |
|
Fresh/live/frozen tuna (HS03) |
510,595 |
55,360 |
817,487 |
66,870 |
60 |
21 |
Written by Nguyen Ha
Compiled by Dieu Thuy
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
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Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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