Consumption of canned tuna increased worldwide in 2020 and generated brisk international trade.in contrast to non-canned products, where demand plummeted because of Covid-19 restrictions on food-service outlets, according to the latest figures from the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

 The FAO also reported that during the first quarter of 2021 tuna raw material prices are likely to stay firm as catches in the major fishing regions continue at low to moderate rates, while demand may improve from tuna canners. It added that import demand for canned tuna might strengthen again worldwide during the first quarter of 2021 following extended Covid-19 lockdown measures in many countries. In 2020, demand for frozen seafood increased from the large production bases in Asia and Europe to meet growing demand. However, fishing logistics were disturbed due to the pandemic while tuna canneries worldwide needed more raw product to match increased demand. During the final quarter of 2020, catches in the major oceans were low to moderate, keeping raw material prices stable, reported the FAO.

Supported by the rising sales of canned tuna worldwide, demand for raw tuna and semi-processed cooked loins increased in 2020 from tuna canners in south east Asia and Europe.

 There were increased exports of canned tuna from Thailand, Ecuador, China and Spain, while the Philippines replaced Indonesia as fifth largest exporter during the first nine months of 2020. Supplies to the leading market, the us, increased significantly (47 per cent) and also increased to the EU(25 per cent).

Article from: The Canmaker