Tuna exports grow rapidly
According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, value of Vietnam's tuna exports to the UAE in 2025 fluctuated. However, export value has increased significantly in recent years.
In the first 10 months of the year, export value to this market increased from US$3 million in 2023 to US$4.3 million in 2025, a 45% increase. This trend is driven by increasing demand for frozen tuna meat/loin from high-end restaurant and hotel chains and multinational communities in the UAE, as well as tariff and logistics advantages under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Vietnam and the UAE (Vietnam-UAE CEPA), which reduces barriers.
Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) assesses that tuna market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as an important destination for Vietnamese tuna exports amidst increasing domestic demand, Dubai's role as a transit hub and new trade agreement between two countries. Sharp increase in value of UAE tuna imports from Vietnam indicates a significant opportunity, but also places stringent demands on quality, traceability and ability to respond to global fluctuations.
“UAE is not only a consumer market but also plays a transit role for goods to countries in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Africa, which increases demand for diverse imported products: from frozen tuna meat/loin (HS 0304) to canned processed tuna (HS 1604). This makes Dubai a strategic “gateway”: imported goods easily access the vast distribution system in the region,” the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) emphasized.
Opportunities for Vietnam
Accordingly, UAE imports both frozen tuna meat/loin (for restaurants and hotels) and processed/canned tuna (for retail). Demand for premium fillets is increasing along with the luxury food and beverage (F&B) supply chain segment, while canned fish still accounts for majority of volume serving retail channel.
Canned tuna market in the UAE is experiencing strong growth due to its convenience, health benefits (rich in protein and omega-3s), and affordability compared to fresh tuna. As a vital part of the overall canned seafood industry, this market benefits from the UAE's diverse population and growing health awareness. Between 2023 and 2024, UAE imported 92 tuna shipments from 22 international suppliers, a 5% increase in import volume compared to the previous year, signaling sustained market expansion.
Vietnam has exported both product lines to the UAE. Exports of canned tuna products have increased significantly.
“Vietnam-UAE CEPA agreement, signed in 2024, commits to significantly reducing tariffs, lowering export costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in the UAE. This creates momentum for businesses to expand export volumes. Furthermore, Dubai is a convenient transit hub for exporting products to neighboring markets (GCC, Africa). Therefore, a single export shipment to the UAE can open up many re-export orders for Vietnamese tuna businesses,” the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) stated.
However, there are also many challenges.
Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP) believes that UAE market requires Halal certification for processed seafood products and has strict safety standards (HACCP, heavy metal testing). Lack of a suitable certification system will be a major barrier for small businesses.
In addition, fluctuations in transportation costs, port congestion, and maritime security risks (in the Red Sea, Suez Canal, etc.) can disrupt timely deliveries, reducing credibility with UAE importers.
Currently, Thailand, Ecuador, Indonesia and EU suppliers are all major sources of supply for UAE market, competing in different segments. Some competitors have a price advantage, while others have strong sustainability certifications. Vietnam needs to differentiate itself through quality, certification, and after-sales service.
Global policy variables, such as trade tensions or changes in import regulations, can have a sudden impact on the flow of goods. For example, new regulations on food safety or domestic protectionist measures by transit countries also create challenges for Vietnamese tuna export businesses.
It is predicted that Vietnamese businesses can take advantage of the Vietnam-UAE CEPA coming into effect, while strengthening Halal/HACCP and consolidating the logistics chain, exports to the UAE could increase by 10-30% per year in 2025-2026.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn