(vasep.com.vn) In August, while Thailand's tuna exports to Japan and the Philippines fell, these markets saw growth in exports from Vietnam, with the rate of more than 32%. Export value in August was over US$2.37 million.
Statistics of the Ministry of Finance reveal that in August, Japan tuna imports increased by 16.5% in value and 32% in volume over the same period in 2013. In August only, Japan imported over 26.6 thousand MT of seafood from 51 markets, worth over US$ 176 million dollars. Among 51 markets, Vietnam is ranked 20th.
Last year, canned tuna was the main export product of Vietnam to this market, but this year, frozen tuna loin (code HS0304) is the major product, accounted for nearly 60% of total products while canned tuna accounts for nearly 25%.
From January to August, Japan’s frozen tuna loin imports reached over US$ 406 million, down 4.6% year on year. Japan currently imports this commodity from 25 countries. South Korea, in particular, remains the biggest exporter of frozen tuna loin to Japan. China, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are also in the top 15 largest suppliers to Japan. Vietnam, though ranked 13th in this list, had fastest growth rates, at more than 76%, compared to 36% of China, and 3.6% of the Philippines.
Tuna price was on declining trend. Tuna was sold at US$ 11/kg in August. Tuna from Vietnam is considered competitive in terms of prices.
From initial results achieved from the cooperation with Japan to improve the tuna quality, it is expected that Vietnam's tuna exports to Japan will be better.