FOCUS ON: Germanyff

FOCUS ON : GERMANY

The imports in Germany of canned tuna from outside the European Union  showed again a steady 5% growth in 2006  which moved the import volume from 6.130405 to 6.762.162 cartons of 48 x 185g net . Looking at the period of the last three years consumers in Germany have been eating every year more tuna.

The rise of total canned tuna products was caused especially by  the higher popularity of canned tuna in oil which jumped by 8% and reached a level of 4.323.142 crts . The main suppliers to the German market for canned tuna in oil were the Philippines and Thailand.

Thailand delivered 75% more tuna in oil than in the previous year reaching 1.163.896 cartons. But even with such a sharp increase still Philippines keeps the dominating position on this market with 2.080.822 boxes. Philippines especially has a high share in the German catering tuna market – which is almost entirely an oil-pack orientated.

In 2006 the average price for all canned tuna in oil imported in Germany was Eur 20,71 for one carton of retail pack of 48 x 185g net.  This product is most commonly skipjack,  packed with a drained weight of 135g. Germany imported the most expensive tuna product in oil from Turkey and for which Eur 31,29 or Usd 39,30 was paid. The lowest priced product came from China, with an average value of  Eur 13,75 or US$ 17,27 per case. The price from Thailand and Philippines, the main suppliers, were respectively Eur 16,27/US$ 20,43 and Eur 15,42/ US$ 19,37. The dollar prices are calculated based on the average exchange rate of 2006 which was 1,25 US dollars to 1 Euro.

It must be remarked when these CIF import prices are compared,  that the levels mentioned from the Asian countries, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, China and Vietnam are all without the duty applied. If the normal import tariff is applied, these CIF prices should be increased with 24% duty. In the case of the single duty quota – which starts in July 12% is applicable. Most other countries mentioned do not pay any duty.

Canned tuna in oil had 64% share of total canned tuna consumption in Germany during last year.

The situation of tuna in brine changed remained almost flat, with Thailand the leading exporter, which increased it shipments by 32% and achieved a total 822.815 cartons. Philippines followed Thailand with 496.002 cartons of canned tuna naturel.  Canned tuna in brine had 36% of total canned market in 2006.

Despite the very high duties Asian countries have a very firm grip on the German market. Its is quite remarkable that ACP countries like Madagascar, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, and Turkey could not compete with the Asian nations despite their duty free access to Germany, and lost most of their share.

Germans ate 0.75 kg of canned tuna per capita. This score is half of the average European consumption which has is 1.52 kg per person.