The latest 2008 statistics show quite an increase of Indonesian tuna products to the United States (US). Most of the increase came from frozen raw tuna loins.

Indonesia delivered 8.357 M/T of tuna products to the US during the first three month this year which, compared to the 7.546 M/T supplied the same period last year, represented an 11% increase.

The volumes of all Indonesian tuna products to the US market increased this first trimester, with the sole exception of frozen pre-cooked tuna loins. However, the quantities of this last item are generally so unimportant that the drop did not have a visible influence on the entire export figures.

Indonesia supplied the US with 5.536 M/T of canned tuna or 678.431 cartons (48x170g), therefore 3% more.

The increase seen in the volume of frozen raw loins was even higher, reaching a sharp 46% increase given Indonesia sold 1.801 M/T if this product to the US market. Moreover, the figures on the third item, frozen whole round show a staggering 83% attaining 341 M/T during the first quarter of 2008.

All in all, it seems that –this year- Indonesia may even surpass the high volume of tuna products sold to the US market during its peak year 2007.