(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from the Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Halal markets such as the Middle East, Malaysia, and Brunei have been on the rise.
Specifically, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the Middle East have shown an upward trend over the past four years. Export value to this region increased from USD 83 million in 2021 to USD 113 million in 2024, marking a 35% growth. Despite geopolitical instabilities that have affected tuna exports to this market recently, the Middle East continues to be regarded as a high-potential market for Vietnamese tuna.
Exports to other Halal markets such as Malaysia and Brunei also grew in 2024, by 36% and 24% respectively.
Currently, there are over 2 billion Muslims living in 112 countries and territories, accounting for 25% of the global population, with a high concentration in Asia (62%), particularly within ASEAN. The Asia-Pacific region, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, consumes more than 63% of global Halal products, positioning it as the hub of this dynamic market. With its strategic location, Vietnam is considered an important gateway to penetrate this vast market.
Recently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review information from the Government Portal report and develop a plan to promote Halal food exports.
However, strict Halal standards and a complex certification system present considerable challenges for Vietnamese businesses. To facilitate access to this market, the Vietnamese Trade Office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recommended that Vietnam complete its legal framework for Halal, including the development of national standards and certification procedures aligned with international requirements. Additionally, it is important to strengthen Halal cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE, especially in certifying products according to UAE Halal standards. Vietnamese Halal products are expected to face fierce competition from countries with long-standing experience and strong reputations in the Halal industry.
Therefore, Vietnam needs to implement targeted support policies, including prioritizing budget resources for production and certification, boosting trade promotion, and training specialized personnel in Halal compliance. At the same time, reputable intermediary organizations are needed to assist businesses with certification and regulatory compliance in export markets. Regarding this issue, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a comprehensive plan to promote Halal food exports.
This presents a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese tuna exporters to expand their markets amid ongoing challenges in major markets such as the US and the EU.