Thailand Loses Dominant Position In The EU Canned Tuna Market ff

After having been the dominant canned tuna exporter to the European Union (EU) almost for the last decade Thailand (the fear of Europe’s tuna canning industry) has lost its leading position as canned tuna supplier in 2007 to Ecuador. The close relations between the Spanish tuna canning and fishing industry with the Ecuadorian tuna canners, and the fact that Ecuador has a US Dollar economy, seems to have its effect. While Thailand struggles with high duties and an unfavorable currency, Ecuador has been able to fully benefit from its zero duty into Europe and the strengthening of the Euro against the Dollar.  

In 2007, the EU imported 59.433.108 cartons (48x185g) of canned tuna. This represented a 2% drop compared to 2006; an equivalent of 1.265.315 cartons less.

Although the 2007 imports of canned tuna to the EU only slightly declined compared to the previous year, the volume per supplying countries have shifted immensely.

Ecuador, in its new leading position, exported 7.277.252 cases to the EU during 2007. Supplies represented a staggering increase of 27% compared to 2006, leaving the two 2006 major suppliers, Thailand and Seychelles, behind.

Thai supplies skydived by 25% and landed at the level of 6.314.189 cartons while having exported 8.435.473 cartons the year before.

Seychelles delivery also decreased significantly by 23%, falling from 6.798.086 units to 5.228.941. This volume placed Seychelles in 5th position, while it had reach second place in 2006.

Furthermore, Philippines remained as one of the top sources with an improved amount of canned tuna which grew from 5.022.410 units to 5.521.396 by 10%.