Vietnam Tuna Catches Pick Up Easing Prices

Vietnamese tuna fishers and small traders are benefiting from better catches in the Pacific Ocean, which have pushed fresh tuna prices down in recent weeks. Skipjack weighing more than 1.5 kg is currently sold between VND 80,000 (USD 3.05) and VND 90,000 (USD 3.43) per kilo, while smaller tuna is priced below VND 70,000 (USD 2.67). The fish is mainly delivered to local markets. The latest rates are down by about 10 percent to 15 percent compared to the past couple of months. Traders say landings have increased in recent days, easing prices, and current levels will remain favorable for both sellers and buyers, according to Vietnamese news outlet Quang Ngai TV.

The increased catches have also been supported by a policy shift announced by the Vietnamese government in December, which suspended the 50-centimeter minimum size rule for several marine species, including skipjack and other tuna-like fish, after pressure from fishers and traders.