Vietnam tuna exports to the Middle East increased by 40%

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.

Compiled by Thuy Linh