Vietnamese Tuna Struggles to Break Through in the Final Months of the Year

Vietnam's tuna exports continued to decline in July 2025, dropping by 20% compared to the same period last year. For the first seven months of 2025, tuna exports fell by 3%, reaching nearly $542 million. With this downward trend, it is unlikely that Vietnam's tuna exports will meet the same target in the second half of 2025 as they did in 2024.

Exports to major markets decline

In July 2025, Vietnam's tuna exports to several key markets experienced a decline.

In the US market, tuna exports to the U.S continued to falter due to concerns over new countervailing tariffs that came into effect in early August 2025. As a result, exports to this market saw a significant drop in July of nearly 38% compared to the same period last year, reaching approximately $21 million.

After five consecutive months of growth, tuna exports to Japan reversed course in July, declining by 23% compared to the same period last year.

In the Middle East bloc, the escalating conflicts in the Gaza Strip have impacted Vietnam's tuna exports to the region. Notably, exports to Israel saw a sharp decline, dropping by 43% in July, amounting to just over $2 million.

By contrast, tuna exports to the European market rebounded, rising 12% in July. Among the top importing markets in the EU, exports to the Netherlands surged by an impressive 133% year-on-year, while exports to Italy and Germany declined. Alongside the Netherlands, exports to Lithuania and Belgium also grew rapidly, by 105% and 56%, respectively.

In addition to the EU, exports to Canada maintained strong growth in July, rising by 39% compared to the same period last year. Exports to Mexico also saw a significant increase of 53% in the same month.

Market outlook

Starting August 7, 2025, the United States implemented new countervailing duties specific to each country. The disparity in duty rates applied to Vietnamese products compared to those from competitors like Thailand, Indonesia and Ecuador is eroding the competitiveness of Vietnamese tuna. This is expected to eroding tuna exports to the U.S market.

Additionally, geopolitical instability, logistical challenges and fluctuating demand in key markets such as Russia, Israel and Chile are having a considerable impact on Vietnam’s tuna exports to these regions.

Meanwhile, regulatory constraints related to fishing, processing, and exporting tuna in Vietnam remain unresolved. Vietnamese tuna businesses are facing numerous difficulties and challenges. Consequently, it is forecasted that Vietnamese tuna will struggle to make a breakthrough and maintain its market share this year.

Source: VASEP