According to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, in 2023, for the first time, canned tuna became product group exported the most to EU market. Export turnover to EU market accounts for more than 40% of the total export turnover of canned tuna, estimated at about 71 million USD. This number increases by 28% compared to 2022.
According to statistics from General Department of Customs, after a decline in the first month of the year, canned tuna exports to EU have grown continuously in the following months, when preferential tariff quotas under FTA between the EU and Vietnam (EVFTA Agreement) is restarted.
Notably, at one point, export turnover increased by three digits over the same period. Towards the end of the year, after preferential tariff quotas were used up, canned tuna exports to this market block slowed down and in some months even decreased.
Vietnamese tuna products have been exported to 22 countries in the EU. Among them, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy are the three largest import markets for Vietnamese canned tuna. In 2023, canned tuna exports to all three countries mentioned above will increase, especially Italy, increasing by 456% compared to 2022.
According to businesses, the EU's increase in canned tuna imports from Vietnam is due to the high average import price of canned tuna products within the EU market, so EU countries tend to increase tuna imports from outside.
In addition, the El Niño phenomenon causes drought in Panama Canal at the end of 2023 and this has hindered Ecuador's tuna exports to the EU.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn