In the first four months of this year, Vietnam's tuna products were exported to 83 markets, down six markets from the same period last year, reports VASEP.

In particular, the U.S, the EU, ASEAN and China stayed as the fourth largest tuna importers of Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam's tuna sales to almost top 8 major importing markets were on the downward trend (except for ASEAN, China and Israel).

In Jan-Apr 2016, Vietnam exports of processed/canned tuna reported a year-on-year fall, while shipments of fresh/live/frozen tuna posted the growth. Exports of processed/canned tuna totaled more than US$55.5 million, down nearly 21.3 per cent from US$70.5 million in the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports of fresh/live/frozen tuna hit nearly US$86 million, up 13.7 per cent from US$75 million in Jan-Apr last year.

The US

In April 2016, Vietnam's tuna exports to the US continued to fall, with the value of nearly US$20 million, down 1.5 per cent compared to Apr last year. The figure in Jan-Apr 2016 estimated at US$56.3 million, down 3.4 per cent year on year.

The US remained to be the largest importer of frozen tuna fillets/loins and canned tuna from Vietnam. However, this year the U.S increased imports of frozen tuna fillets/loins from Vietnam, with the value of US$38.4 million, up nearly 28 per cent.

Meanwhile, imports of canned tuna, other processed tuna and fresh/live/frozen tuna witnessed the drops of 19, seven and 78 per cent, respectively.

The EU

In April 2016, Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU has rebounded, with the value of US$9 million, up nearly three per cent over the same period of 2015. However, the figure in Jan-Apr this year hit over US$33 million, down 10 per cent year on year.

Vietnam's tuna exports to Italy experienced a 3-digit growth, outstripping Germany as the largest tuna importer of Vietnam in the bloc. Belgium has become the 3rd largest importing market of Vietnam, after Germany thanks to good growth in recent months.

In Jan-Apr this year, the EU increased imports of fresh/live/frozen/dry tuna (including frozen tuna fillets/loins) from Vietnam, with the total value of US$19 million, up 39 per cent over the same period last year. Whereas, sales of canned/ processed tuna of Vietnam to the bloc hit over US$14 million, down more than 39 per cent year on year.

ASEAN

In Apr 2016, Vietnam's tuna exports to ASEAN continues the climb with the value of US$3.6 million, up 79 per cent compared to Apr last year. The figure in the first 4 months this year was US$13.9 million, up nearly 31 per cent over the same period last year.

Vietnam exports of tuna products to the market registered the year-on-year rise, except for processed tuna. In which, notably, exports of live/fresh/frozen tuna (excluding frozen tuna fillets/loins) of Vietnam reached over US$2.4 million, up nearly 88 per cent.

China

Vietnam's tuna exports to the China hit US$1.9 million, up nearly 72 per cent over the same period last year. The total value in Jan-Apr this year was US$10 million, up 187 per cent year on year.

Currently, China mainly imported frozen tuna fillets/loins from Vietnam (accounting for 93 per cent of total tuna export value to this market), with the value of nearly US$8.3 million, up 255 per cent over the same period last year.

Vietnam's tuna exports in May 2016 expected to continue the recovery, especially to main markets such as the EU.

TheFishSite News Desk