According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in May 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports brought in over 91 million USD, the highest level since the beginning of the year. Compared to the same period in 2024, the figure has increased by 8%.
In terms of the market, in the first five months of the year, the United States, Europe, and Thailand were the three largest importers of Vietnamese tuna, accounting for 41%, 23%, and 4%, respectively.
Tuna exports to the largest market, the United States, have recovered strongly in May with a 37% increase. This shows that tuna exporters quickly reacted to avoid the risk of higher tariffs (which could reach 46% after July 9, 2025—the end of the 90-day temporary tariff period).
Vietnam’s tuna exports brought in over 91 million USD in May.
Exports to the EU witnessed an 11% decrease in May. Exports to the two largest markets in the bloc, the Netherlands and Italy, still maintain growth but have slowed down to 11% and 15%, respectively. Along with that, exports to the German market have decreased sharply compared to the same period last year.
The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has caused a drop in exports to the Middle Eastern market. Tuna exports to Israel have continued to decline strongly in May, with a decrease of 42% compared to the same period last year. Besides, exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE also saw significant declines of 89% and 52%, respectively.
Notably, in May, there was a recovery in exports to the countries participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The export value to this market bloc has increased again in May with an increase of 25%. Exports to the leading countries in the bloc, Japan and Canada, have increased significantly. This shows that the trend of market diversification is becoming a “solution” chosen by many businesses, not only to spread risk but also to seize new export opportunities.
Currently, Vietnam has become the fifth-largest tuna exporter in the world in terms of value, following Thailand, Ecuador, Spain, and China. The tuna supply chain in Southeast Asia is moving to Vietnam, instead of being concentrated only in Thailand as before. Earlier in 2024, tuna export turnover reached 989 million USD, an increase of 17% compared to 2023.
In 2025, the global tuna market is forecast to fluctuate due to changes in consumer habits, tariff policies, and supply-demand changes. The free trade agreements between Vietnam and other countries will give Vietnamese tuna an advantage when exporting to markets such as the EU, UAE, Japan, Canada, and others. However, meeting the origin rules remains a significant challenge for the Vietnamese tuna industry. Standards for traceability, sustainable fishing, and combating IUU fishing are becoming mandatory conditions in major markets.