The supply chain of Vietnamese tuna is facing severe challenges, primarily due to the new fishing policies introduced by the Vietnamese government in 2024. These policies impose strict limits on the size of the catch, leading to a significant shortage of tuna supplies, especially for canned tuna raw materials. This situation is expected to create market opportunities for China’s tuna industry.

Policy Impact Worsens Vietnam's Raw Material ShortageThe new policy from the Vietnamese government strictly regulates the size of caught fish, particularly during the key fishing months of August and September. This policy has made it nearly impossible for fishermen to catch skipjack tuna that meets the new standards. As a result, a large portion of the catch does not qualify, and the supply of tuna raw materials in Vietnam is expected to face severe shortages from the second half of 2024 into 2025. This shortage will not only impact Vietnam’s domestic canned tuna production but may also reduce its competitiveness in the international market.

Market Opportunities for Chinese Tuna EnterprisesThis shortage presents a market opportunity for Chinese tuna companies. First, Chinese canned tuna producers can take advantage of this opportunity to expand their share in the global market. With Vietnam’s export capacity weakened, demand for Vietnamese traditional canned tuna may shift to China. China’s abundant resources in this field can meet the international demand for canned tuna.

Additionally, there may be a new growth point for China in exporting semi-finished tuna products to Vietnam. Due to the lack of raw materials, Vietnam may need to import semi-finished tuna from other countries to alleviate production pressure. China can seize this opportunity by exporting semi-finished tuna to Vietnam, filling the gap in its supply chain. This would not only help ease Vietnam’s raw material shortage but also open new export channels for Chinese companies, further enhancing China’s influence in the global tuna market.

Vietnam's Response and China's Future StrategyAlthough Vietnam’s policies are aimed at promoting the sustainable development of marine resources, the raw material shortage it has caused has drawn widespread attention within the industry. Chinese companies can take advantage of this favorable moment by actively expanding international markets and exporting to Vietnam, further solidifying their leadership in the global tuna industry. Meanwhile, Chinese companies should continue to improve their production capacity and product quality to meet future market demands and rising competition.

Overall, the tight supply chain of Vietnam’s canned tuna raw materials provides Chinese enterprises with a dual opportunity to expand the market and develop new business avenues. In the fierce global market competition, China’s tuna industry is poised to achieve greater growth and breakthroughs by seizing this chance.