Vietnamese tuna loses competitive edge in Japan due to high taxes
Vietnamese tuna exporters have struggled to compete with Thai and Philippine firms in the Japanese market due to high taxes, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.
HCM City (VNA) – Vietnamese tunaexporters have struggled to compete with Thai and Philippine firms in theJapanese market due to high taxes, according to the Vietnam Association ofSeafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
In a letter sent to the Ministry of Industryand Trade on February 13, VASEP called on the ministry to review taxes applied onVietnamese tuna products shipped to Japan and put the issue on table with theJapanese side in an effort to bring them to the zero percent tariffs that Thaiand Filipino exporters enjoy.
According to VASEP, Japan is one ofVietnam’s eight biggest tuna export markets. However, Vietnamese tuna exportsto this market have continuously dropped since 2013 due to high taxes.
Statistics from Japanese customs showed thattax rates levied on canned yellowfin tuna exported to Japan from Thailand fell from4.8 percent in 2009 to zero percent in April 2012 according to the Japan-ThailandEconomic Partnership Agreement.
The rate for the Philippines also decreased tozero percent in April 2013 thanks to the generalised system of preferences,while the rate remains up to 9.6 percent for Vietnam despite the Vietnam –Japan Economic Partnership Agreement became effective in October 2009.
The association pointed out that in theASEAN – Japan comprehensive economic partnership agreement, there is no roadmapfor Vietnam to enjoy zero percent taxes like the two above-mentioned countries.
According to VASEP, tuna products contributebetween 450-550 million USD per year to the country’s total export value.-VNA
Tuna exports are expected to increase by 8 percent this year to 507 million USD, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Producers and Exporters (Vasep).
Vietnam’s tuna exports are expected to bring much revenue as in 2015 despite a slight decline in orders from Japan, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
Vietnam’s tuna export value increased 10 percent in the first eight months of the year to 309.8 million USD, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
Export revenue of Vietnamese tuna to the European Union (EU) in October almost doubled compared to the same period last year, hitting 14 million USD, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Producers and Exporters (VASEP)
With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,276 VND/USD and the floor rate 23,774 VND/USD.
Effective from the date of signing on June 18, the decision halts procedures outlined in the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Vietnam and Laos on the initial implementation of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement at the Lao Bao–Densavan border gate.
The event aimed to update businesses on new regulations and compliance requirements regarding US tax, trade, and customs policies, while offering practical solutions to facilitate exports amid shifting trade dynamics.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
This latest order builds on a previous agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow last year for 40 engines, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by the airline to 80.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged that despite concerted efforts by ministries and local authorities in combating fake and substandard goods, the situation remains highly complicated, attributing the persistent challenges to high profits luring numerous participants, increasingly sophisticated violations, limited resources within enforcement agencies.
The group also placed among the Top 5 energy companies in Southeast Asia and secured the top spot among the largest Vietnamese enterprises featured on the list.
The zone will cover 1,881 ha, comprising functional areas for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology industry, information technology, and innovation.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) 
