VIETNAM’S TUNA INDUSTRY SEIZES “GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY” TO BOOST EXPORTS TO THE UAE
Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UAE have achieved remarkable growth, rebounding strongly from the challenges of the pandemic. Over the past five years, export values skyrocketed from $1.6 million in 2019 to nearly $4 million in 2023, marking an impressive 139% increase.
In 2024, despite some fluctuations, export values by the end of September remained consistent with last year, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as one of the top three tuna suppliers to the UAE. Key products driving this success include frozen tuna and canned tuna, which are in high demand in this dynamic market.
However, meeting Halal certification requirements remains a critical challenge. The UAE’s strict Islamic dietary laws mandate that all products must be free from prohibited ingredients and processed in Halal-compliant facilities, creating a high standard for Vietnamese exporters to meet.
A promising development is the anticipated Vietnam-UAE Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to eliminate the current 5% import tariff. This will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese tuna in the UAE, a market where 90% of seafood is imported to satisfy the growing demand driven by the country’s booming economy.
As the UAE’s economy continues to grow, Vietnam’s tuna industry has a “golden opportunity” to expand its presence in this lucrative market. Success hinges on meeting Halal standards and leveraging the FTA’s benefits, which could position Vietnamese tuna as a dominant force in the region.
VNSEAFOOD is committed to exploring these opportunities and working closely with partners to bring the best of Vietnamese tuna to the world.
Stay connected with VNSEAFOOD for more updates on this exciting journey!
source: VASEP.
