CANNED TUNA IMPORTS TO THE EU ARE ON THE RISE

Canned tuna imports to the EU are on the rise. Despite the rise in transport costs for containers and raw materials, which negatively affects the tuna industry, imports of canned food to the EU were not affected in the first three quarters of 2021. In fact, sales were higher in the third quarter of 2021 (after slow growth in the first half of 2021). Statistics for the first three quarters of 2021 show a strong recovery in this market segment.

Despite the rising costs, deals seem to be going at more competitive prices. The average CFR price of canned tuna is at its lowest level in three years at € 4.183 per tonne, down 5% from the same period last year. Suppliers from both the EU and non-EU countries have reduced their average selling prices.

Ecuadorian converters lost about 15% of their business compared to the same period in 2020, having shipped almost 1,000 20ft containers less than in 2019, before the pandemic.

Also, the supply of canned tuna from the Netherlands, Spain and Germany to other EU markets decreased slightly. Portugal’s exports to other EU countries have rebounded significantly since last fall. Meanwhile, Italian canning companies, which sell the most expensive tuna among suppliers, also increased their numbers slightly.

Filipino canned tuna is the cheapest and volumes have returned to about the same level as in the same period in 2019, which may be due to higher demand from the foodservice sector. Shipments from Thai Union’s IOT factory in Seychelles have grown steadily, reaching their highest level in 3 years.

The factory’s products are mainly exported to France and other markets where Thai Union brands such as Petit Navire or John West are distributed. Papua New Guinea canning companies have expanded their supplies to the EU and are continuing to increase them. Vietnam has increased its exports to this market, thanks in part to the Trade Agreement in effect since last year.

Source: Fishretail.ru