May 18, 2011

Vietnam's tuna exports increase in early 2011

Vietnam's export of tuna continues to rise in the first quarter of this year due to the growing demand from foreign markets.

In March alone, the country's tuna exports increased 17.5% in volume and 45.1% in value over the same period last year, with 9,345 tonnes of tuna exported, collecting US$43.4 million and bringing first quarter tuna export turnover up 13.3% with export value reaching US$104 million.

In particular, tuna exports to Canada recorded a sharp increase at 117.4% compared to last year, while tuna exports to Iran hit 2,286 tonnes, accounting for 89.6% of Vietnam's total seafood export to Iran.

Tuna exports are expected to keep on rising in the second quarter of this year, with supply coming from 77 Vietnamese enterprises, who have exported tuna to 66 foreign markets, reports the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep).