Competitiveness of Vietnam’s Frozen or Processed Tuna Export Industry in the United States and Canada Markets

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the competitiveness of Vietnam’s frozen and processed tuna export industry (code 160414) in the US and Canada markets. Design/methodology/approach: In this study we used the Revealed Comparative Advantage index (RCA), export market share (MS) and export prices on a comparative basis with 9 of the 10 largest tuna exporters, and based on the theory of absolute advantage and comparative advantage to assess the competitiveness of the fish export industry tuna in the US and Canada markets. Findings: Research results show that the competitiveness of Vietnamese tuna in the US and Canada markets is quite high, second only to Thailand and is tending to increase. Originality/value: The research’s findings highlight the importance of enhancing product quality, catering to consumer demands in importing nations so that Vietnam’s tuna export products are in line with import market preferences, and taking advantage of opportunities provided by the CPTPP agreement to benefit from preferential tariffs when exporting to Canada in order for Vietnam to increase competitiveness and increase export scale in these two markets. To boost the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tuna export business, particularly for the US market, it is critical to have trade promotion solutions, extend trade cooperation to benefit from advantageous tariffs, and match the product needs of importing nations. The long-term objective for Vietnam’s tuna export sector must be for sustainable and effective development.