Whole Tuna

Whole Tuna – Export Potential & Advantages of Vietnam’s Marine Fisheries

Introduction to Whole Round Tuna & Its Role in Global Export

Whole Tuna is one of Vietnam’s key marine export products. With high economic value and growing demand in major markets such as Japan, the EU, the United States, and South Korea, tuna has become a strategic seafood commodity.

Over the years, whole frozen tuna and processed tuna products (fillet, steak, loin, etc.) have contributed significantly to Vietnam’s seafood export revenue. Thanks to its extensive coastline, rich fishing grounds, and improving fishing techniques, Vietnam is increasingly recognized as a leading tuna-exporting nation in the Asia–Pacific region.

Biological Characteristics & Common Commercial Tuna Species

Tuna belongs to the Scombridae family. They inhabit offshore waters, swim at high speeds, have a streamlined body shape, and exhibit firm red muscle tissue rich in hemoglobin. Tuna often migrate seasonally in large schools across oceanic currents.

Common commercial tuna species include:

• Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares): Long body, dark blue back, distinct yellow dorsal and anal fins. Pale red flesh—ideal for sashimi and steaks.

• Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus): Short body, large eyes, higher fat content than yellowfin. Preferred in sushi and sashimi due to its deep red color and marbling.

• Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis): Smaller size, horizontal stripes along the body. Mostly used for canned tuna production.

• Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus): Highest commercial value, prized for its rich, fatty flesh. Limited catches in Vietnam.

Distribution Areas & Major Tuna Fishing Grounds

In Vietnam:

Main tuna fishing regions are located in the South-Central Coast:

• Phu Yen – Binh Dinh – Khanh Hoa: Known as the “Golden Triangle of Offshore Tuna.”

• Fishermen commonly use longline fishing, handline fishing, and light attraction methods. Catches are stored in ice holds or refrigerated seawater tanks onboard.

Globally:

• Pacific Ocean: Largest tuna fishing region—Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and Papua New Guinea.

• Indian Ocean: Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Seychelles.

• Atlantic Ocean & Mediterranean Sea: Especially known for Bluefin Tuna—Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Tunisia.

Nutritional Value of Whole Tuna

Whole tuna is a nutrient-dense seafood, providing:

• High-quality protein: 23–25% lean protein.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA): Supports cardiovascular health, brain development, and vision.

• Essential vitamins: Vitamin B12, B6, and Vitamin D—boosts immunity and energy metabolism.

• Minerals: Iron, selenium, magnesium, and zinc.

Thanks to these benefits, tuna is often referred to as the “beef of the ocean.”

Commercial Classification of Whole Tuna

In international trade, whole tuna is classified based on several criteria:

• Whole Tuna: Tuna kept intact with head, tail, and fins—ideal for processors and importers requiring raw material.

• Weight categories:

  • Under 10 kg: Usually skipjack or small tuna.

  • 10–20 kg: Common for yellowfin—suitable for loin processing.

  • 20–40 kg & above 50 kg: Often Bigeye or premium tuna for sashimi or sushi.

• Freshness & flesh quality indicators:

  • Bright red flesh, clear eyes, firm texture—indicates fresh catch.

  • Sashimi/Sushi Grade: Pink–red flesh, minimal bruising, high freshness.

  • Processing Grade: Slightly darker flesh—suitable for canning or frozen steak production.

Applications of Whole Round Tuna in Global Cuisine

After processing, whole tuna can be used to create various high-value products:

• Japanese Cuisine:

  • Sashimi, Sushi: Belly (toro), back loin (akami), medium-fatty loin (chu-toro).

• Western Cuisine:

  • Seared Tuna Steak: Thick-cut tuna lightly seared outside and rare inside.

• Fusion Cuisine:

  • Tuna Tataki, Carpaccio, Salad, Poke Bowl.

• Industrial Processing:

  • Canned tuna, tuna in oil or brine, tuna in tomato sauce.

  • Fish oil, pet food, health supplements.

Export Market Potential for Whole Round Tuna

• Japan: World's largest consumer of tuna—especially sashimi-grade Bigeye and Yellowfin.

• European Union (EU): Imports frozen tuna loin, fillet, and canned tuna products.

• United States: High demand for tuna steak, sashimi-grade, and frozen fillets.

• South Korea, Thailand, China: Import whole tuna for reprocessing or redistribution to local markets.

Global consumers are increasingly interested in healthy, protein-rich, low-fat foods—making tuna a sustainable export growth product.

Astra Aqua – Trusted Supplier of Whole Round Tuna from Vietnam

Astra Aqua Int'l Co., Ltd is a reputable exporter of frozen marine products in Vietnam, specializing in whole round tuna and other premium ocean-caught seafood.

We supply:

• Whole round frozen tuna

• Tuna fillet, steak, loin, head, belly, bone by-products upon request

Strengths:

• Stable sourcing from Phu Yen, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa fishing ports

• Products stored in deep-freeze systems onboard and in cold storage

• Capability to load refrigerated containers and ship to international markets

Contact for International Business Cooperation

ASTRA AQUA INT'L CO., LTD
📍 318 Phan Đình Phùng Street, Ward Cầu Kiệu, Phú Nhuận District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline / Zalo: (+84) 938 925 489
📧 Email: sam.le@astraaquaco.com / sales01@astraaquaco.com
🌐 Website: https://astraaquaco.com