In 2024, tuna exports to the Middle East will continue to grow impressively by 28% compared to 2023. The Middle East is emerging as one of the top 4 tuna export markets of Vietnam.

Potential market

According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, the export turnover to the Middle East market in 2024 will reach nearly 113 million USD, ranking 4th after the US, EU and CPTPP. Vietnam's tuna products have reached most countries in this market block, with Israel, Lebanon and Egypt leading the way. Last year, tuna exports to major import markets in the block all increased compared to the same period.

Israel is currently the regional leader in importing tuna from Vietnam in this market block and is also the second largest single import market after the US, accounting for nearly 7% of the total tuna export value in 2024 and increasing by 30% compared to 2023. Other countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE are also recording good double-digit growth.

Vietnam's signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE, one of the largest economic centers in the region, a destination for many Vietnamese seafood products, including tuna, (abbreviated as CEPA), is helping Vietnamese tuna products have more opportunities to increase exports to this market. Currently, both Vietnam and the UAE are making efforts to complete the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in the first quarter of 2025. As soon as this agreement comes into effect, Vietnamese tuna products exported to the UAE will have their tax reduced to 0%.

Not a small challenge

Despite its great potential, seafood exports to the Middle East also face many challenges. One of the biggest barriers is the Halal standard, which requires products to be processed and certified in accordance with Islamic law. This requires Vietnamese exporters to invest more in production processes, inspection, and quality management.

According to forecasts by many organizations and experts, the number of Muslims worldwide will increase by about 50% by 2050 to 2.76 billion people. The global Halal business is expected to grow strongly due to investments and technological advances. For example, pork testing technology, Halal identification technology, etc.

If Vietnamese goods pass the Halal test in the UAE, it will open a big “door” to enter a large market, especially Halal standards that are similar to modern consumption trends, which are high quality, humane, environmental protection, and clear origin.

However, a significant obstacle for the Halal food industry worldwide is the issue of uniformity in the certification process. Different Halal certification processes in different countries can cause confusion and hinder the efforts of Vietnamese businesses when entering new markets. Moreover, businesses need to clarify more about the ingredients that make up Halal food.

Source: VASEP