In 2024, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the Middle East recorded an impressive 28% growth compared to 2023. The region has now become one of the top four export markets for Vietnamese tuna, alongside the U.S., the EU, and CPTPP member countries.
According to data from Vietnam Customs, tuna exports to Middle Eastern markets reached nearly USD 113 million in 2024, ranking fourth after the U.S., the EU, and the CPTPP bloc. Vietnamese tuna products have gained access to almost all countries in the region, with Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt being the largest importers. Exports to these key markets continued to increase significantly compared to the previous year.
Strong Growth in Key Markets
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Israel leads the region in importing Vietnamese tuna and is also Vietnam’s second-largest single tuna importer after the United States, accounting for nearly 7% of total tuna export value in 2024—up 30% from 2023.
Other markets such as Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have also shown double-digit growth, signaling strong and diversified demand for Vietnamese tuna across the Middle East.
CEPA: Boosting Access to the UAE and Beyond
Vietnam’s signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—one of the region’s largest economic hubs—is opening new opportunities for tuna and other Vietnamese seafood products.
Both sides are striving to finalize and ratify CEPA by Q1 2025. Once effective, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the UAE will immediately enjoy a 0% tariff rate, enhancing competitiveness and expanding export potential across the Middle East and North Africa.
Challenges: Meeting Halal Standards
Despite the promising prospects, Vietnam’s seafood exports to the Middle East still face challenges, the most notable being Halal certification requirements. Products must be processed and certified according to Islamic law, requiring Vietnamese exporters to invest in production systems, quality control, and certification compliance.
The global Muslim population is expected to increase by 50% by 2050, reaching 2.76 billion people. As a result, the global Halal industry is projected to expand rapidly, driven by technology and investment—such as pork DNA testing technologies and Halal authentication innovations.
Successfully meeting Halal standards in the UAE could open the door for Vietnamese products to reach wider Middle Eastern and North African markets, where Halal principles align with modern consumer values—high quality, ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and transparency.
Standardization Remains a Barrier
A significant obstacle for the global Halal industry, however, lies in the lack of unified certification systems. Different Halal standards across countries often lead to confusion and create barriers for exporters entering new markets.
Vietnamese enterprises must ensure clear ingredient traceability, consistent quality management, and internationally recognized Halal certification to strengthen their position in these growing markets.
Conclusion
With the Middle East’s rising demand for high-quality seafood and the imminent CEPA agreement with the UAE, Vietnam’s tuna industry is well-positioned for further expansion. Overcoming Halal certification challenges and aligning with global standards will be key for Vietnamese exporters to unlock the full potential of this lucrative region.