Tuna exports to major markets drop due to COVID-19

Vietnamese tuna exports to a number of major markets have experienced a downward trajectory recently due to the increase in production and freight costs as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, according to industry insiders.

Tuna exports to major markets drop due to COVID-19 ảnh 1

 

July alone saw the nation’s tuna export value increase by only 1.7% to approximately US$65 million compared to the same period from last year.

Nguyen Ha, a tuna market expert, revealed that Vietnamese tuna exports to the United States over the past three months have showed signs of slowing down.

This comes as the export value of tuna to the demanding market in July rose by only 6% on-year to US$28.6 million.

At present, freight rates from Asia to South America have increased, ranging from US$2,500 to US$12,000 per container, a factor which has significantly hindered Vietnamese competitiveness in the market place and is impacting affecting the country’s export shipments to this market.

Furthermore, tuna exports to the EU market in July recorded a drop of 21% compared to the same period last year. However, the export value of tuna to the fastidious market during the seven-month period enjoyed an annual surge of 20% to nearly US$87 million.

Currently, Vietnamese tuna exports to all three major markets in the EU, including Italy, Germany, and Spain have plunged by 34%, 40%, and 12%, respectively.

As the country’s the third largest export market, local tuna exports to nations in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) increased by 6.5% to US$7.4 million.

However, the export value of tuna to this market also witnessed a downward trend each month.

Most notably, tuna exports in July to Canada showed signs of declining with a drop of 45%, while exports to Mexico and Japan continued to rise by 2% and 413%, respectively.

Moreover, tuna exports to other markets such as Egypt, the Philippines, and China continued to grow in July, although the export value was generally lower than the previous month.

According to Ha, the country’s total export value of tuna during the seven-month period reached US$420 million, marking a 20% against the same period last year,

Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, tuna processing and exporting factories are currently facing a range of difficulties, such as rising production costs, a shortage of workers, and a lack of raw materials.

Some factories based in provinces such as Long An and Ho Chi Minh City have been forced to suspend their production activities, thereby affecting tuna exports over the coming months.

VOV

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.