According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the export value of tuna in 2025 reached 924 million USD, a decrease of 7% compared to 2024. The decline in tuna export turnover shows a clear differentiation by market and product group. The US, the largest market, saw a significant drop, while the EU and CPTPP increased.
Tuna exports to the US in 2025 were only 331 million USD, accounting for nearly 36% of Vietnam’s total export value. This result was a decrease of nearly 15% compared to the same period in 2024. The US remained the largest export market, but exports to this market have fluctuated significantly.
In terms of product structure, canned tuna exports to the US were only equivalent to the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports of frozen tuna meat/loins under HS code 0304 decreased significantly.
Vietnamese tuna is favored by the US, the EU and Japan.
Unlike the US, Vietnam’s exports to the EU increased over the past year. Export turnover to this market reached nearly 207 million USD, an increase of 5% compared to 2024. In this market bloc, the Netherlands is leading with a total value of tuna imports from Vietnam exceeding 46 million USD, an increase of 37% compared to 2024.
Next, exports to Italy increased by 10% and Germany by 13%. The overall context in Europe is creating space for suppliers with stable delivery capabilities and meeting standards. Tuna remains an important item for consumers here, with recent imports at high levels.
Along with the EU, tuna exports to Canada and Japan are higher than in 2024. Exports to these two markets have also been volatile over the past year.
In 2025, tuna exports to the Middle East decreased by 16% compared to 2024, reaching only over 94 million USD. Israel remains the leading market in this bloc. However, geopolitical instability in the country over the past year has led to a sharp 40% decrease in tuna exports to this market.
Although Vietnamese businesses have shifted their export expansion to some regional markets like Egypt or the UAE, it is still not enough to compensate for the decline in exports to Israel.
Entering 2026, the market is likely to be dominated by three main trends. First, fluctuations in raw material supply and prices are causing profit margins, especially for processed and canned tuna products, to remain under pressure.
Second, the EU is expected to maintain its key role as tariff and non-tariff barriers in the US are rising. Third, competition is differentiated by “standard” and “price.”
Currently, the fact that the US imposes higher countervailing duties on Vietnamese products compared to its competitors will hinder exports to this market.