Total tuna export value forecasted to reach over 580 million USD in 2013

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said that in 2013, the total export value of tuna is forecast to reach over 580 million USD, an increase of about 2.3% compared to 2012. In particular, tuna exports to Asian and Middle Eastern markets will continue to increase.

Illustration photo (source: dddn.com.vn)

Also according to VASEP, in the first quarter of 2013, tuna exports will still grow positively compared to the same period in 2012, with export value forecast to reach about 130 million USD, up 1.7% compared to the same period in 2012 and down 0.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2012.

However, VASEP also believes that in 2013, Vietnam's tuna exports will face some major challenges in terms of quality, resources and markets. This will affect the exploitation and export of tuna products.

Regarding quality, currently, tuna fishing uses high-pressure lamps, a new method of fishing in the Central region. Although it has helped increase output, it has reduced the quality of the fish caught. The quality of tuna caught by lamps is low, unlike traditional fishing. If this situation continues, it is likely that this year there will be a shortage of quality raw materials to produce export products.

Regarding the export market, in 2013, the demand for high-end tuna products will continue to decrease and instead, the demand for low-priced products such as canned tuna will continue to increase strongly. The crisis in the US canned tuna market will continue in the first months of the year but the country will still have to increase imports to compensate for the shortage due to the limited fishing output.

It is known that in 2012, domestic tuna production increased, Vietnam's tuna export increased sharply. In addition, tuna production in some countries decreased, increasing the advantage for Vietnam, the Pacific bluefin tuna resource decreased by 96.4% and the consumption demand of import markets increased... contributing to creating conditions for Vietnam's tuna export to accelerate in 2013.

According to (CPV) - LH