Vietnamese tuna exports to Finland grew nearly 50% in the first 7 months of 2025, opens up great potential for Vietnamese businesses to conquer the Northern European market. However, quality challenge, Sustainability certification and international competition are still problems that need to be solved.

Impressive Growth of Vietnamese Tuna in Finland

According to data from Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Exporters (VASEP), in the first 7 months of 2025, Tuna export turnover to Finland reached nearly 2,5 million USD, increase 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a significant step forward, marking a strong recovery after a period of decline in 2024. This growth not only affirms the attractiveness of Vietnamese tuna but also opens up great opportunities for businesses to exploit the market. Northern Europe, where Finland serves as a strategic gateway.

Tuna products exported to Finland mainly include canned tuna, frozen tuna and some other processed products. Ask for a favor Vietnam Free Trade Agreement – EU (EVFTA), Vietnamese tuna enjoys preferential tariffs, Helps prices more competitive than traditional sources such as Spain, Portuguese or Thai. This has created a great advantage, helping Vietnamese tuna increasingly win the trust of Northern European consumers.

Northern European Market: Great Potential But Not Easy

Although positive results were achieved, Tuna export turnover to Finland still accounts for only a small part of Vietnam's total tuna export turnover, obtain 542 million USD in the first 7 months of 2025 (reduce 3% compared to the same period). According to Ms. Nguyen Ha, VASEP market expert, Growth potential in Finland and neighboring Nordic countries such as Sweden, Denmark is still huge. However, for effective exploitation, Vietnamese businesses need to overcome many challenges:

1. Product quality: EU market, especially Northern Europe, has strict standards for food safety, hygiene and quality. Enterprises need to invest in modern processing technology to meet these requirements.
2. Sustainability certification: Certifications such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and IUU (combat illegal fishing) increasingly becoming a mandatory requirement to enter the EU market.
3. International competition: Vietnam must face strong opponents like Spain, Portugal and Thailand, countries with long-standing experience and established brands.
4. Brand building: Vietnamese tuna needs to increase recognition in the international market through promotional campaigns and build a premium product image..

Global Tuna Market Landscape 2025

The global tuna market in 2025 is facing many fluctuations. Raw material prices increased, Logistics costs escalate and tightening consumption trends in Europe after the inflation period have created many challenges. However, processed seafood products, Rich in protein and reasonably priced like tuna, it still retains its strong appeal, especially in the retail segment.

In Northern Europe, Tuna demand is forecast to remain stable, especially in countries like Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Consumers in this area prefer convenient products, Easy to prepare and has clear origin. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese tuna, with competitive prices and ever-improving quality, dominate market share.

Finland – Strategic Gateway to Northern Europe

Finland is not only a consumer market but also a strategic gateway for Vietnamese businesses to expand to other Nordic countries. With a favorable geographical location and developed logistics system, Finland can help Vietnamese tuna products reach neighboring markets such as Sweden, Norway or Denmark. Furthermore, General consumption trends in the Nordic region, with a preference for sustainable and high-quality products, is a driving force for Vietnamese businesses to invest in value-added products.

However, to take advantage of this opportunity, Businesses need to pay attention traceability, ensuring products meet international environmental and social standards. Sustainability certification requirements such as MSC or IUU are not only a barrier but also an opportunity for Vietnamese tuna to build reputation and differentiate itself from competitors..

Challenges in the Second Half of 2025

Despite recording many achievements, Vietnam's tuna exports in July 2025 decreased again 20% compared to the same period last year. Total for the first 7 months of the year, turnover decreased slightly 3%, shows pressure from the international market and internal barriers. Some main "bottlenecks" that businesses need to solve include::

• Logistics costs increase: International shipping rates increased sharply due to geopolitical fluctuations and fuel costs, reduces business profits.
• Strict requirements from the EU: Quarantine regulations, Food safety and sustainability require businesses to invest heavily in technology and production processes.
• Raw material price fluctuations: Raw tuna prices are unstable, affecting the price competitiveness of exported products.

To overcome these challenges, businesses need:

1. Supply chain optimization: Cooperate with logistics providers to reduce costs and shipping times.
2. Product diversification: Develop value-added products such as processed tuna, meet modern consumer needs.
3. Invest in technology: Apply advanced technology in processing and preservation to improve product quality.
4. Strengthen international cooperation: Participate in fairs, seafood exhibition to promote the brand and find new partners.

Long-Term Strategy for Tuna Export

To maintain growth momentum and conquer the Northern European market, Vietnamese businesses need to build long-term strategies. Some suggestions include:

• Enhance traceability: Ensuring the entire supply chain from fishing to processing is transparent and complies with international standards.
• Invest in national brands: Building the image of Vietnamese tuna associated with high quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• Market expansion: Outside of Finland, Businesses should look to other potential markets such as Sweden, Denmark and Norway, where tuna demand is growing.
• Cooperate with international organizations: Take advantage of support from organizations like VASEP, FAO or EU partners to improve production and export capacity.

Conclude: Bright Future For Vietnamese Tuna

With close growth 50% in Finland in the first 7 months of 2025, Vietnamese tuna is facing a great opportunity to assert its position in the Northern European market. However, to turn potential into reality, Businesses need to overcome quality barriers, certification and international competition. Finland is not only a destination but also a launching pad for Vietnamese tuna to expand, contributing to enhancing the position of Vietnamese seafood on the world map.