PNG among five that make up top tuna producers

By PETER ESILA in Bangkok, Thailand
Asia-Pacific is home to countries that produce and export 52 per cent of global tuna products, including Thailand, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, says an official.
Thai Tuna Industry Association director Amornphan Aramwatananont said during the 18th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, this week that Thailand held the highest share of 30 per cent of global exports, producing approximately 500,000 tonnes of canned tuna per year.
“The Thai industry prioritises sustainable growth through the three core policies of Food Safety, Sustainability and Ethical Standards.
“An opportunity for tariff relief comprises the TH-EU FTA and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) negotiations. At the same time, the industry must adapt to stricter non-tariff regulations regarding labour and human rights, environmental protection, and fluctuations in tuna resources due to global warming.
“Currently, the world faces new challenges, including war and global warming, which affect economies all over the world as well as a wide range of businesses such as those in the seafood industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, J.M.B International (Thailand) Co Ltd deputy chief executive officer Arnab Sengupta said the Middle East and Africa was a dynamic market region with growth potential for canned tuna.
“The trend has been one of steady expansion. This market has been accepting of many European national brands and products, such as tuna salad and other value-added products.
“The region is also a market of interest for value-added brands from the Philippines, with primary focus on their own diaspora.
“Canned tuna (solid and chunks) are the key baseline products that this market consumes.”