(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Amid current global developments, Russia is emerging as a promising market for Vietnamese tuna exporters, with increasing export volumes and favorable trade conditions.
According to data from Vietnam Customs, the value of tuna exports to Russia reached nearly USD 45 million in 2024—five times higher than in 2020—marking the highest level in the past decade. In just the first three months of 2025, tuna exports to Russia exceeded USD 10 million, up 15% compared to the same period in 2024.
Trade officials highlight that the current Vietnam–Russia relationship presents favorable conditions for economic and trade cooperation. The two economies are highly complementary: Vietnam imports Russian products for production and consumption, while Russia imports tropical agricultural products, seafood, and food from Vietnam.
Russia is also one of the top 30 tuna-importing countries globally. Its tuna imports have doubled over the past five years, reaching nearly USD 90 million in 2023, reflecting a steady increase in demand.
Many of the recent challenges in bilateral trade—such as transportation, payments, and travel for businesspeople—are being actively addressed. Vietnamese goods can be shipped directly to Russia via the Vladivostok–Hai Phong or Ho Chi Minh City sea routes, taking approximately 8–11 days. Alternatively, international rail transport through China and Kazakhstan to Moscow takes about 35–40 days.
For payments, businesses from both countries can conveniently use the Russian ruble and Vietnamese dong for bilateral trade. Additionally, Russia’s issuance of electronic visas allowing Vietnamese citizens a 15-day stay facilitates travel for trade purposes.
Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Russia is a member, signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2015, which took effect in October 2016. As a result, most traded goods between Vietnam and Russia enjoy zero or very low import tariffs. Vietnamese and Russian businesses are encouraged to take full advantage of this agreement to boost bilateral trade and investment.
To ensure stable and sustainable exports to Russia and avoid quality-related disputes, trade officials advise Vietnamese companies to thoroughly research and comply with Russian regulations regarding product quality, packaging, and labeling.
With a steadily growing demand for tuna and improving trade facilitation, Russia presents a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese tuna exporters to expand their market footprint.