In 2010, eight percent of Mexico’s total fish products was tuna. This ranked the country as the 12th producer in the international market, according to figures provided by FAO.
Sustainable regulations for the fish industry in Mexico totaled 1.6 million tons of seafood and fish products, with 131,000 tons of this being different tuna species up to the final value of $550 million in the Mexican market, according to CONAPESCA.
Tuna exports represented 4.2 percent of total tuna domestic production (131 million tons) to the value of US$ 26.3 million.
Even in previous years, Mexican tuna was not very accessible from international markets; nowadays however, it has increased its availability in international markets by five percent, due to a diversification of the tuna industry as well as a rising consumption of fresh tuna products.
Regarding its position in international markets, the Mexican fish industry pointed out that the end of the dispute with the USA, over the dolphin safe label, will highly benefit the industry. CONAPESCA says Mexican exports could increase US$100 million as well create an increase in employment.
According to Mexico meets international sustainable regulations for tuna fishing in order to have a reasonable and sustainable exploitation of the species.
Domestic consumption is estimated at 1.25 kg per capita, which ranks Mexico among the 10 major consumers around the world.
The main Mexican tuna fishing states are located on the Pacific coast. Ninety five percent of production is located in Baja California, Sinaloa, Chiapas and Colima.
There are four tuna species caught in Mexico. The most important one is yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacores) which annually represents up to 90 percent of the local production. Most of the skipjack used in imported.
