April 2025 – Canned tuna exports hit rock bottom
In April 2025, Vietnam's tuna exports totaled just over USD 86 million, down nearly 1% compared to the same period in 2024. Among Vietnam’s exported tuna products, canned tuna showed a sharp decline and has nearly hit its lowest point in the past two years.
Canned tuna exports drop 50%
According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the export value of canned tuna in April 2025 reached only USD 15.8 million, a 50% decrease year-on-year. This is one of the lowest levels recorded since January 2023.
According to enterprises, major bottlenecks stem from regulations such as the minimum catch size and the prohibition on mixing imported wild-caught seafood with domestically caught seafood in the same export batch, as stipulated in Decree 37/2024/NĐ-CP. These policies have significantly impacted fishing and export activities, especially canned tuna shipments.
In contrast, other tuna product categories saw growth this month. Particularly, processed tuna products under HS code 16, mainly steamed frozen tuna loins, increased by 62% year-on-year. Frozen tuna meat/loin products also rose by 15%.
Exports to key markets see fluctuations
Tuna exports to several major markets declined in April 2025.
In the United States, after the temporary suspension of a 46% countervailing duty on Vietnamese imports for 90 days, Vietnamese companies quickly took advantage of the opportunity to boost exports. However, the momentum has slowed. Exports to the U.S. in April totaled nearly USD 36 million, up 3% year-on-year.
Exports to the EU also showed signs of slowing down, with April shipments rising just 11% year-on-year to nearly USD 21 million. The Netherlands, Italy, and Germany remain Vietnam’s top three tuna importers in the bloc. While exports to the Netherlands and Italy are still growing, shipments to Germany continue to decline.
In the Middle East, geopolitical instability has heavily affected tuna exports to the region. Exports to Israel dropped sharply by 57% in April. Cumulatively, the first four months of 2025 saw a 62% year-on-year decrease in exports to Israel. Exports to Saudi Arabia were also unfavorable, falling by 35%.
Exports to Canada reversed course after strong growth in the previous two months. In April, shipments reached just under USD 3 million, a 27% decline year-on-year.
Amid ongoing bottlenecks in domestic raw material supply, compounded by geopolitical uncertainties and shifting trade policies in key markets, Vietnam’s tuna export industry is likely to face deeper setbacks in the near future.
VFM
