In the world of seafood exports, Vietnam’s tuna industry stands at a critical juncture. After a challenging latter half of 2024, the sector still managed to reach an impressive milestone of nearly $1 billion in export turnover. At VNSeafoodInsider, we believe 2025 could be even more promising for this resilient industry—but only with the right catalysts for growth. Let’s dive into what’s happening with Vietnam tuna export and what the future might hold.

vietnam tuna export

The Impressive Performance of Vietnam Tuna Exports in 2024

According to Vietnam Customs data, December 2024 saw tuna exports reach nearly $86 million, representing a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2023. For the entire year, the accumulated export value hit $989 million, marking a 17% year-over-year growth.

What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that all tuna product categories experienced growth compared to the previous year. While seafood export markets generally fluctuated, tuna maintained a relatively stable upward trajectory despite various challenges.

A Closer Look at Product Categories

vietnam tuna industry

The diverse portfolio of Vietnam’s tuna exports showed interesting trends throughout 2024:

  • Processed tuna products experienced a remarkable turnaround, with exports increasing by 24% year-over-year after initial declines in the early months. These products now constitute 17% of total export value.
  • Canned tuna, despite showing a downward trend in the second half of the year, still managed an overall annual growth of 17%.
  • Frozen tuna meat/loins remained the dominant category with the largest share of exports. This segment demonstrated accelerated growth during the final months of 2024.

This product diversification has helped Vietnam maintain a strong position in the global tuna market despite market fluctuations and trade barriers.

Key Market Developments of Vietnam Tuna Export in 2024

The export performance across different markets revealed some fascinating patterns that will likely influence strategies for 2025

vietnamese tuna industry

Source: VN Customs data

Market Highlights:

  • USA: The largest market with $388 million in exports, growing 19% year-on-year, showing strong and stable demand.
  • EU: The second-largest market with $197 million in exports, up 12%, indicating steady growth.
  • Israel: Exports reached $65 million, rising 30%, suggesting increasing demand or improved trade conditions.
  • Russia: With $45 million in exports and a 56% growth, Russia is a fast-growing market with rising demand.
  • Canada: Exports totaled $39 million, increasing 15%, reflecting stable demand.
  • Other Markets: Contributing $255 million, this segment remains vital for diversified export growth.

These market-specific trends highlight the importance of diversification in Vietnam tuna export strategy. When one market falters, others often compensate, creating a buffer against regional economic fluctuations.

See other post: Top 6 Vietnam Seafood Export Products 2024 – Market Insights and Trends 2025 -> click here

Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnam Tuna Industry in 2025

As we look toward 2025, VNSeafoodInsider sees both promising opportunities and significant challenges that will shape the industry’s trajectory.

tuna export market

Positive Growth Factors

Several factors suggest continued growth potential for Vietnam’s tuna exports:

  1. Increasing global consumption: Consumer demand for tuna products continues to rise, driven by growing recognition of seafood’s health benefits and the convenience of many tuna products.
  2. Favorable international trade policies: Changes in tariff policies in key markets, particularly the United States, could provide leverage for exports. During Donald Trump’s second presidential term, Vietnam might continue to benefit from high tariffs imposed on Chinese imports, creating competitive advantages for Vietnamese products.
  3. Trade agreement benefits: The restart of tariff preferences under various Trade Agreements in the early months of 2025 presents excellent opportunities for businesses to increase exports to partner markets.

Challenges Requiring Attention

However, several systemic issues need to be addressed to fully capitalize on these opportunities of Vietnam tuna export.

Creating Incentives for Sustainable Fishing Practices

For Vietnam’s tuna industry to thrive, fishermen need both proper regulation and sufficient incentives to invest in better fishing methods and equipment.

vietnam tuna export trend

Supporting Fishermen’s Livelihoods

Fishermen face multiple challenges—from regulatory compliance (including IUU fishing regulations) to market access issues. While ensuring they follow legal requirements is essential, equally important is creating conditions that make fishing economically viable and attractive.

Several potential solutions come to mind:

  1. Establishing auction markets to ensure fishermen receive the best possible prices for their catch while simultaneously centralizing data collection on tuna catches
  2. Reviewing fishing zone regulations (coastal, inshore, offshore) to better align with fishermen’s capabilities and tuna migration patterns
  3. Reconsidering minimum catch size regulations for certain species—especially skipjack, yellowfin tuna, and other migratory species—to reflect biological realities while maintaining sustainability
  4. Developing larger fishing enterprises that can partner with other maritime nations to expand operational scope, providing new opportunities for fishermen and securing more sustainable, abundant raw material sources

Improving the Business Environment for Processors and Exporters

For tuna processing and exporting companies, administrative procedures often create unnecessary hurdles that hamper competitiveness.

Key improvements could include:

  1. Streamlining certification processes: Continued review and improvement of procedures for issuing Sanitary/Catch Certificates to address ongoing complications
  2. Simplifying sampling procedures: Making it easier for businesses to choose sampling methods (by production batch or export batch) by allowing selection when submitting production and export plans
  3. Reducing redundant administrative requirements that divert resources from more productive activities
See another post: Top 20 biggest seafood companies in vietnam
 

Outlook for Vietnam tuna export 2025: Potential for Stronger Growth

tuna export trend

With coordinated efforts between regulatory authorities, businesses, and fishermen, Vietnam tuna exports could see even stronger growth in 2025. The nearly $1 billion export value achieved in 2024 provides a solid foundation, and breaking through that psychological barrier could create momentum for further expansion.

At VNSeafoodInsider, we believe the Vietnamese tuna industry has the potential to increase exports by 10-15% in 2025 if the right conditions are created. This would mean potentially reaching the $1.1-1.15 billion mark—a significant achievement that would further cement Vietnam’s position as a global tuna export powerhouse.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Path Forward

The success of Vietnam’s tuna industry in 2025 will depend largely on how well different stakeholders can work together to address existing challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. From fishermen on small boats to executives in processing plants and government officials crafting regulations, each plays a vital role in the industry’s future.

By focusing on sustainable fishing practices, streamlined administrative procedures, and strategic market diversification, Vietnam’s tuna industry can build on its impressive 2024 performance and create even stronger results in the year ahead.

What are your thoughts on Vietnam tuna export prospects for 2025? Have you encountered any of the challenges mentioned above? We’d love to hear your perspective in the comments below!

4.6/5 - (5 votes)
Spread the love

4 thoughts on “Vietnam Tuna Export Market: A Comprehensive 2025 Outlook

  1. Pingback: Yellowfin Tuna Cube - The Versatile Gem of Seafood Cuisine

  2. Pingback: Selecting Premium Tuna Cuts for Sushi - Importers Guide

  3. Pingback: Tuna Import from Vietnam - Negotiating Price Tatic For Importers

  4. Pingback: Top 5 Frozen Barramundi Fillet Vietnam Supplier in 2025

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *