Vietnam's tuna exporters strive to tap into Egyptian market

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has stated that, since 2023, Vietnam's tuna exports to Egypt have seen continuous growth.

According to Vietnam Customs, in the first four months of 2025, tuna exports to Egypt reached nearly US$4 million, up 72 per cent year-on-year.

Canned tuna accounts for over 82 per cent of Vietnam’s tuna exports to Egypt, with the remainder being processed tuna products and frozen tuna loin.

While Thailand currently dominates Egypt’s canned tuna supply, Egyptian importers are seeking new partners like Vietnam to diversify sources and reduce dependency, presenting what VASEP said is a good opportunity for Vietnamese exporters.

Egypt has gradually overcome a two-year foreign currency shortage, boosting its imports and creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses, according to VASEP.

As Africa’s second-largest economy with a GDP of US$347.59 billion (IMF, April 2024), and the region’s leading FDI recipient, Egypt is Vietnam’s largest trading partner in North Africa.

Since early 2025, both governments have held talks to facilitate market access and strengthen sustainable trade cooperation. Bilateral trade reached US$486.6 million in 2023, with Vietnam exporting US$432 million worth of mainly agro-fishery and textile products.

VASEP said that, facing challenges in key markets like the US and EU, Egypt emerges as a promising alternative for Vietnamese tuna exporters. However, competition is intensifying as other countries, including China, also target Egypt. Vietnamese firms must therefore proactively adapt to seize opportunities.