Vietnam tuna exports to the U.S. increased by 8.5% in 2015

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.

Written by Nguyen Ha

Compiled by Dieu Thuy