Thailand Tuna Fish Market Overview:
The Thailand tuna fish market is a vital segment of the country’s seafood industry, valued at approximately US$ ** million in 2023. Thailand ranks among the top global exporters and processors of tuna, leveraging its strategic location in Southeast Asia. Tuna, primarily skipjack and yellowfin species, accounts for over **% of the country’s canned fish exports. The domestic consumption is moderate but rising steadily due to growing health awareness and increased preference for protein-rich diets. The processing sector employs over 200,000 workers nationwide and generates significant foreign exchange revenue. Thailand’s tuna production involves both domestic fishing and imported raw materials, with imports constituting around 55% of the processing input. Canned tuna products dominate market share, while frozen and fresh tuna segments are growing gradually. The market is influenced by global tuna supply fluctuations, trade policies, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Primary Areas/ Elements of Research & Analysis
The report provides comprehensive and valuable insights into the supply and demand dynamics of the Thailand tuna fish market. Below are the variables considered and analyzed in the report:
• Supply-demand trends, market growth, and trade
• Market structure, conduct, and performance analysis
• Historical and forecasted market size (volume & value)
• Trade analysis (export & import), including key partners, quantities, values, and price trends
• Supply chain mapping, pricing, and regulatory framework
• Competitive landscape profiling of key players
• Factors influencing market performance, including sustainability trends
Market Growth Factors
The primary growth drivers of the Thailand tuna fish market include rising global demand for canned tuna, expanding export markets, and increasing domestic consumption. Health-conscious consumers globally are turning towards high-protein, low-fat seafood options, boosting tuna demand. Thailand benefits from strong trade agreements with major markets like the US, EU, and Japan, facilitating tariff advantages. Technological improvements in fishing, processing, and cold chain logistics have enhanced product quality and shelf life, attracting premium buyers. Domestic urbanization and rising incomes support steady growth in local consumption. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of **% between 2024 and 2030, reaching close to US$ ** million by 2030. Sustainability certifications such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, prompting processors to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Market Restraints & Challenges
Despite promising growth, the market faces challenges including overfishing and sustainability concerns that could limit future tuna availability. Fluctuations in raw material prices, driven by environmental changes and regulatory constraints, create cost volatility. Trade disruptions due to geopolitical tensions or protectionist policies in key export markets pose risks to Thailand’s export-oriented tuna industry. High dependency on imported raw tuna exposes the sector to supply chain risks and foreign exchange fluctuations. Additionally, rising labor costs and compliance with increasingly stringent food safety and environmental regulations add operational burdens for processors. Consumer concerns about heavy metals and contaminants in seafood products occasionally impact demand. Finally, competition from other tuna-producing countries like Indonesia and the Philippines intensifies pricing pressures.
Market Segmentation
The Thailand tuna market segments by product form, species, distribution channel, and end-use. Product forms include canned tuna, frozen tuna, fresh/chilled tuna, and value-added processed products such as ready-to-eat meals. Canned tuna constitutes roughly **% of the market’s volume, dominated by skipjack species, followed by yellowfin and bigeye. Distribution channels include foodservice, retail supermarkets, convenience stores, and exports to international markets via wholesalers. The foodservice sector, including hotels and restaurants, accounts for about **% of domestic tuna consumption, growing steadily with Thailand’s expanding tourism. Export markets comprise over 60% of total production, primarily in North America, Europe, and Japan. Product packaging innovations and sustainability certifications are critical to market differentiation.
Competitive Landscape
Thailand’s tuna fish market is characterized by several large processing conglomerates and numerous small-to-medium enterprises. Leading companies such as Thai Union Group, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods), and Kingfisher Group dominate the export segment, commanding **% of the market share collectively. Thai Union is among the world’s largest tuna processors, operating global brands like “Chicken of the Sea” and “John West.” These companies invest heavily in sustainability, innovation, and supply chain integration. Smaller local players focus on niche segments or regional markets. Competition is also driven by price, product quality, and certification status. Strategic collaborations with fisheries, adoption of traceability technologies, and expanding presence in emerging export destinations underpin competitive advantage. The market exhibits moderate consolidation but remains open to new entrants offering innovative or sustainable product lines.
Outlook
The Thailand tuna fish market is forecast to continue steady growth driven by robust export demand and rising health awareness domestically. Sustainability will be a dominant theme, with increasing adoption of responsible fishing practices and eco-labeling to meet consumer and regulatory expectations. Advances in processing technology and cold chain infrastructure will support quality improvements and product diversification, including value-added tuna products targeting convenience-seeking consumers. Expanding trade ties, especially with emerging Asian markets, will provide new growth avenues. However, managing resource sustainability, raw material price volatility, and geopolitical uncertainties will be critical for market resilience. By 2030, the market is expected to approach US$ ** million in value, supported by moderate CAGR and increasing product innovation. Thailand’s positioning as a global tuna hub remains strong, but ongoing investment in sustainability and supply chain optimization will define long-term success.
Scope of the Report:
• Historical Years: 2015-2022
• Base Year: 2023
• Forecast Period: 2024-2030
• Units: Value (US$ Million) and Volume (Thousand Tonnes)
• Report Coverage: Production, Consumption, Export, and Import
• Segments Covered:
By Species (Skipjack Tuna, Mackerel Tuna, and Others)
By Form (Fresh, Canned, and Frozen)
By End-use (Human Consumption and Pet Food)
By Sales (Domestic Consumption and Exports)
• Companies Profiled: The market players include, Thai Union Group, Pataya Food Group, Sea Value Co., Ltd., Asian Alliance International, Unicord Public Co., Ltd., Seafresh Industry, Tropical Canning Co., Ltd., Pacific Tuna Co., Ltd., Narong Seafood Co., Ltd., Kingfisher Holdings, Chotiwat Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Pakfood Public Co., Ltd., Chotiwat Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Diamond Food Product Co., Ltd., Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Bangkok Seafood Co., Ltd., and Others.
Please note: It will take 4-5 business days to deliver the report upon receipt the order.
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook