During the initial five months of 2024, Thailand exported 221,092 tons of canned tuna, reflecting a significant uptick of 19.39% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. These exports amounted to $978.56 million, marking a growth of 13.40%.
Contrastingly, in 2023, Thailand recorded a decline in canned tuna exports, totaling 445,000 tons, which was 13.42% lower year on year. The export value for 2023 amounted to $2,087.30 million, reflecting a decrease of 9.34% compared to the previous year.
A notable development has been the utilization of by-products from canned tuna processing as raw materials for pet food production. The export figures for dog and cat food in the first five months of 2024 reached 337,579 tons, signifying a notable increase of 21.64%, with a valuation of $1.071 billion, showing a substantial growth of 37.60%. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), highlighted that this indicated a recovery in the tuna industry across all segments of the value chain.
In 2023, Thailand’s major canned tuna export markets included the United States, Japan, Australia, Libya, and Saudi Arabia, with the US leading the way in terms of export value. Globally, Thailand ranked as the top exporter of canned tuna, followed by Ecuador, China, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The United States emerged as the leading importer of canned tuna, with considerable import values from European markets such as Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. Thailand maintained a substantial market share in key locations like the US, Japan, and Australia but exhibited growth potential in the European market.
To sustain Thailand’s position as a prominent canned tuna exporter, Poonpong emphasized the importance of adhering to international hygiene standards, implementing traceability systems, and championing sustainability policies. Expanding into new markets, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, was highlighted as a strategic move to bolster Thailand’s global presence in the agriculture and food sectors.
