Viet Nam's Tuna Exports Down from 2012

Total sales of exported tuna during the whole of 2013 is forecast to be lower than that of 2012 by nearly $600 million because exports to the two main markets are expected to continue to decline during the rest of the year, reports VASEP.

According to Viet Nam Customs, through September 2013, shipment of tuna products (HS code 03) reached more than $230 million, down 19.14 per cent over 2012 ($284.4 million).

Exports of dried/frozen/fresh/live tuna and tuna loin decreased 27.67 per cent and 11.39 per cent, respectively; however, exports of canned tuna increased 11 per cent and exports of other processed tuna rose 90 per cent.

The decline in Viet Nam’s caught tuna production in recent months lessened raw tuna supply for processing. Besides, it was attributable to 10-15 per cent increase in costs for fishing trips (fuel, materials, food, ice water and fishing gears, labour)

Backward techniques in pre-processing and post-harvest preservation in tuna vessels of Viet Nam are negatively affecting the quality of tuna. Thus, Viet Nam’s tuna exports find it hard to soar.

So far this year, Viet Nam tuna exports to Japan have reported a deep fall. The figure in September 2013 was down 24 per cent and 20 per cent in Jan-Sep 2013.