The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) pointed out that although consumer demand remains stable, the rising cost of raw fish is closely linked to international requirements for sustainability, origin, and product quality.
Each tuna-supplying country has had to adjust its strategy to cope with the rapid changes in the global seafood supply chain.
The global tuna import market is expected to reach a scale of 1.75-1.80 million tons by 2025, with a value exceeding 9 billion USD.
The United States, Spain, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan still dominate the import of processed tuna, accounting for more than 55% of the total global imports.
Emerging markets in the Middle East (such as Egypt, Lebanon, etc.), Eastern Europe (such as Lithuania, Romania, etc.), and North Africa (such as Libya, etc.) are showing signs of recovery, mainly due to the growing consumer demand for convenient and affordable food.
Adjustments in U.S. trade policy and geopolitical fluctuations in the Middle East in 2025 are expected to impact the export trends of these emerging markets.
Asia still occupies a core position in tuna supply, with Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia as the main exporting countries, forming a full range of supply capabilities from whole frozen fish, fish fillets to canned and processed products.
To meet the stringent requirements of the EU and the U.S. for traceability systems, sustainable certification (such as MSC certification), and food safety, Asian suppliers are facing immense pressure to upgrade their product standards.
The global tuna trade is not expected to flourish by 2025, but it is expected to be a pivotal year for significant changes in market structure. The market focus will center on product upgrades, supply chain transparency, and competition based on quality rather than merely low prices.