Vietnamese tuna exporters lack raw material, hindering exports to Germany

News 09:16 18/07/2025
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Exports of processed and canned tuna (HS code 16) from Vietnam to Germany have been continuously declining during the first five months of 2025, with a trend toward deeper contraction. This situation is significantly affecting Vietnam’s tuna exports to this market.

According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, tuna exports to Germany reached only nearly USD 11 million during this period, down 33%. Of this, exports of processed and canned tuna accounted for over 68% of the total export value, while the remainder mainly consisted of frozen tuna meat/loin.

During this time, exports of frozen tuna meat/loin to Germany rose by as much as 81%, but exports of processed and canned tuna plunged by 48%. Tuna exporters attribute this decline to a shortage of domestically sourced skipjack tuna, which has left them unable to meet orders from this market. Although Vietnamese companies can use imported raw materials from EU countries to qualify for tariff preferences under origin rules, doing so raises production costs and weakens the competitiveness of Vietnamese products.

Currently, Germany remains one of the largest importers of tuna in Europe, especially processed and canned products. Data from EUMOFA shows that German consumers are increasingly prioritizing convenient, high-protein seafood products with sustainability certifications such as MSC.

According to Eurostat data, Germany’s tuna imports in the early months of 2025 have shown a slight decline compared to the same period last year. This drop is attributed to German consumers tightening their spending amid ongoing economic volatility, including inflation and rising living costs — all of which are dampening consumption demand. As such, pricing remains a key factor in enhancing the competitiveness of tuna products in the German market.

Faced with rising reciprocal tariffs from the US, many Vietnamese tuna exporters are seeking to expand their exports to other markets such as the EU and Asia to reduce reliance on the US and mitigate risks. However, to do so, businesses are calling on the Government to urgently “unlock” access to domestic raw tuna supplies and resolve bottlenecks in the issuance of fishing-related documentation.

tuna vietnamese tuna export germany market

TIN MỚI CẬP NHẬT

Addressing the IUU “Yellow Card” in Ca Mau: Digitalizing Data and Tightening Fishing Vessel Management

 |  14:53 08/09/2026

(seafoo.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau Province is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote transparent and sustainable fisheries, joining the country’s efforts to have the European Commission (EC) remove its “yellow card” warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Vietnam emerges as key seafood supplier to China’s $20 billion market

 |  08:28 07/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam has strengthened its position in China’s massive seafood market, becoming the largest lobster supplier while maintaining a dominant share of the country’s imported pangasius.

What did businesses and buyers find at Vietfish 2026?

 |  10:14 03/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietfish 2026 was more than just a larger exhibition space. Through B2B meetings, booth discussions, production-chain visits and post-show feedback, businesses and buyers found something more concrete: suitable suppliers, processing capabilities, technology solutions, new markets and a foundation for building long-term trust and partnerships.

Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the US: a large market, but a breakthrough remains elusive

 |  07:54 02/09/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports to the United States declined significantly in the first seven months of 2026. Cumulative export value reached US$18 million, down 42% from the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports amounted to just US$2 million, plunging 70%, indicating a clear slowdown in import demand from the US market.

The future workforce: the fisheries sector must become a career of choice

 |  07:58 31/08/2026

(vasep.com.vn) At the seminar “Global Seafood Markets and the Future Workforce: Trends, Opportunities and Directions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries Sector,” held as part of VIETFISH 2026, Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy, Fisheries Officer (Markets) and GLOBEFISH Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in fisheries and aquaculture.

From POR21 Pressure to Opportunities for Vietnam’s Pangasius to Expand into Potential Markets

 |  08:31 25/08/2026

(vasep.com.vn) In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the United States reached US$189 million, down 8% year-on-year. In July alone, export value reached US$22 million, down 28%. This trend indicates that U.S. demand for pangasius imports has remained relatively cautious this year, as importers tend to maintain moderate inventory levels and limit stockpiling.

VIETFISH 2026 Successfully Concludes: record scale, innovation highlights, and meaningful business connections

 |  19:33 23/08/2026

(vasep.com.vn) After three days at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 – has successfully concluded, leaving a strong impression in terms of scale, visitor numbers, the quality of business connections, and innovative activities. With more than 14,000 m² of exhibition space, 335 companies, 568 booths, participation from representatives of 17 countries and territories, and nearly 15,000 visitors, VIETFISH 2026 has once again affirmed its role as an important meeting point for Vietnam’s and the global seafood industry.

5 Seminars at Vietfish 2026: New Perspectives for the Seafood Industry

 |  09:48 21/08/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Held as part of Vietfish 2026 from August 19–21 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, a series of five specialized seminars provided the seafood business community with updates on markets, technology, standards, human resources and cooperation opportunities. With the participation of experts, international organizations, government agencies and businesses from Vietnam and abroad, the seminars created an additional platform for professional exchange alongside the exhibition’s product showcases and business networking activities.

VIETFISH 2026 Officially Opens: record scale, deeper connections across the global seafood value chain

 |  12:11 19/08/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the morning of August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – VIETFISH 2026 officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. With 568 booths representing 335 companies, alongside the presence of senior government officials, local authorities, diplomatic missions and international partners, VIETFISH 2026 kicks off three days of business networking, technology exchange and market engagement under the overarching theme “Innovation and Sustainability.”

Press Release: Vietfish 2026 Returns at Record Scale, Driving the “Green Transition” Toward the US$12 Billion Export Target

 |  10:01 17/08/2026

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) officially announces that the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition (Vietfish 2026) will take place from August 19–21, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.

VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM

Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội

Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO

Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu

Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông

Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn

Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh

Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn

VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn

© Copyright 2020 - Mọi hình thức sao chép phải được sự chấp thuận bằng văn bản của VASEP

DANH MỤC