This has prompted Vietnam to actively seek new markets and strengthen its presence in existing ones.
Vietnam's tuna exports to Japan saw a 23% decline in July, reversing a five-month growth trend. Japanese consumers are increasingly favoring fresh, locally sourced seafood over imported processed products.
Vietnam's total tuna exports for the first seven months of the year amounted to $562 million.
In stark contrast to other markets, tuna exports to the European Union reversed their previous downward trend, increasing by 12% in July, a direct result of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
The trends among major EU buyers varied:
- The Netherlands saw a 133% increase compared to the same period last year.
- Lithuania and Belgium also saw increases of 105% and 56%, respectively.
- However, exports to Italy and Germany decreased.
In July, Vietnam's tuna exports to Canada remained strong, with a 39% increase, while exports to Mexico also grew by 53%.