Tuna exports hit new peak but face major hurdles

According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's tuna export value in February reached nearly 73 million USD, up 41% over the same period in 2024, marking the highest level over the same period in the past 5 years. In the first 2 months of 2025, the cumulative export turnover reached more than 139 million USD, up 6%.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), fresh, frozen and dried tuna products continued to grow well compared to the same period last year, up 23%. In contrast, processed and canned tuna exports decreased by 9%.

Tuna exports to major markets in February increased for the most part except for Italy, Israel and Mexico. Notably, tuna exports to major markets such as the US, EU, Canada and Japan all grew impressively in February.

VASEP assessed that although exports to markets have grown more positively, there are still potential market challenges in 2025. Specifically, Vietnamese tuna exports are facing major challenges from key import markets such as the EU and the US.

Tuna export value in February 2025 reached nearly 73 million USD, up 41% over the same period in 2024.

Regulations on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) continue to be a major barrier to the exploitation of seafood in general and the tuna industry in particular. In particular, the regulation on the minimum size of skipjack tuna of 0.5m in Decree 37/2024/ND-CP is still preventing fishermen and businesses from solving the problem of raw materials. Export activities of processed and canned tuna products are being hindered.

Similarly, the US has implemented the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which requires seafood exporting countries to demonstrate that their fishing practices do not harm marine animals and demonstrate similar management regulations to those of the US. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently issued a preliminary ruling not recognizing Vietnam as equivalent, and is at risk of banning the import of many Vietnamese seafood species from January 1, 2026 if Vietnam does not take timely action.

In addition, the US also plans to expand the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP), which requires importers to provide more detailed information, increasing compliance costs.

"With the export turnover accounting for the majority of Vietnam's total tuna export turnover, the regulations of MMPA and SIMP can affect the seafood industry, even threaten Vietnam's reputation and position in the international market," VASEP said.

According to VASEP, to overcome the challenges, the tuna industry needs strong support from competent authorities and industry managers in perfecting the legal framework, improving monitoring capacity and supporting fishermen to comply with international standards.

Minh Thu

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/xuat-khau-ca-ngu-lap-dinh-nhung-doi-dien-rao-can-lon/20250327013532781