Thailand’s tuna export industry has seen a robust recovery, with exports growing by more than 13% in the first five months of 2024. The value of canned tuna exports reached $979 million, a 13.4% year-on-year increase. This resurgence is driven by increased demand for canned tuna as a raw material for pet food production, with pet food exports rising to $1.07 billion, a 37.6% increase compared to the previous year.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), highlighted that Thailand exported 221,092 tonnes of canned tuna during this period, up 19.4% year-on-year. The top export markets include the US, Japan, Australia, Libya, and Saudi Arabia.

Thailand’s competitive edge lies in its advanced production technology and strategic location in Southeast Asia, enabling efficient procurement, production, and distribution. The government’s focus on quality control and sustainable practices aims to maintain Thailand’s leading position in the global tuna market and expand into new markets, particularly in the Middle East and Europe.