While tra fish and shrimp exports face difficulties due to dumping accusations and antibiotic problems, Vietnamese tuna enjoys high consumption in Europe.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the export turnover of tuna reached 155 million USD in the first five months of this year, up nearly 20 percent year-on-year.

The Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) explained that the European market had increased tuna imports after a long period of importing only small amounts due to economic difficulties.

However, the export value of Vietnamese tuna would rise even higher if fishermen stopped using bright lights to attract tuna, VASEP said. This method makes catching cheaper but results in lower quality tuna.

Together with tra fish, tuna is now one of Vietnam’s major seafood exports.

Tuna obtained an export turnover of 380 million USD in 2011, accounting for 6.3 percent of the country's seafood exports, and was exported to 83 countries.

Its export value rose to nearly 570 million USD last year, with the US market accounting for over 245 million USD (42 percent) and the European market 114 million USD (20 percent).

Source: VNA