Vietnam's tuna exports to Canada recorded recovery signals in the first half of 2026, driven by processed and canned product groups. However, Canada signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Ecuador is forecasted to generate additional competitive pressure on Vietnamese enterprises, particularly in value-added segments.

Against a backdrop where seafood exports to multiple major markets like the US and the European Union (EU) still face numerous challenges, the Canadian market continues to serve as a bright spot for Vietnam's tuna sector. However, growth prospects in this market face new competitive pressures as Canada recently signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Ecuador.

According to data from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in the first 6 months of 2026, Vietnam's tuna exports to Canada reached nearly 20 million USD, up 5% compared to the same period in 2025. Canada currently stands as Vietnam's sixth-largest tuna import market and one of the markets maintaining positive growth within member countries participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Momentum driven by processed product groups

Export developments demonstrate that the Canadian market recovered distinctly from Q2/2026. Export value increased continuously month over month, bringing Q2 turnover to nearly 12 million USD, up nearly 30% compared to the same period, thereby offsetting the majority of Q1's decline.

Even so, VASEP considers it too early to affirm that the market has entered a stable growth cycle, as consumer demand and international trade remain impacted by multiple global economic factors.

Regarding product structure, fresh, frozen, and dried tuna groups (HS Code 03) reached nearly 14 million USD, down 6% compared to the same period last year. Conversely, processed and canned tuna groups (HS Code 16) reached nearly 6 million USD, surging strongly by 42%.

This indicates growth momentum for tuna exports to Canada no longer stems from raw material products, but has shifted toward high-value-added processed commodity groups, aligning with consumer trends in this market.

Canada - Ecuador FTA creates additional competitive pressure

Beside positive growth signals, Vietnam's tuna sector also faces new challenges as Canada and Ecuador recently signed a Free Trade Agreement.

According to VASEP, Ecuador stands as one of the world's leading tuna exporting nations with major advantages in raw material supply, processing scale, and competitive capacity. When the FTA comes into force, Ecuador's tuna products will gain additional tariff advantages, thereby increasing pressure on Vietnamese enterprises, particularly in processed and canned tuna segments.

This is also the exact segment playing the role of growth driver for Vietnam's tuna exports in Canada over recent times.

Against a backdrop of increasingly fierce competition, experts consider that Vietnamese enterprises need to continue elevating product quality, developing deep-processed product lines, and satisfying standards regarding food safety, origin traceability, and sustainable development. Concurrently, it is necessary to efficiently capitalize on preferences under the CPTPP to consolidate competitive advantages, expand market share, and maintain growth momentum in the Canadian market in the upcoming period.

Source: Tap chi Doanh nghiep va Hoi nhap