Global tuna trade and future opportunities

In 2022, the world trade of tuna fish was 42.63 billion dollars, which is expected to reach 52.85 billion dollars in 2028. The three countries of Thailand, Taiwan, and Spain in terms of quantity and the three countries of Thailand, Spain and Ecuador in terms of value are in charge of 40% of world trade, respectively. Fresh tuna (USD 672 million), frozen fillets (USD 1.65 Billion), whole frozen fish (USD 4.116 Billion) and prepared and packaged fish (USD 6.765 Billion) have been traded in the world trade. In fact, 58.6% are prepared and packed, 35.6% whole and frozen and 2.4% whole and fresh are exchanged in the world. In the twelve years ending in 1401, the amount of exploitation of tuna stocks in Iran has reached 289 thousand tons with a growth of 4.8%. Iran's tuna fish export, despite being the first in the west of the Indian Ocean and the second in the Indian Ocean, has reached 2604 tons with a value of USD 425 thousand to 2604 tons with a value of USD 2.3 million, which is 30.8% and 15% growth in terms of quantity and value, respectively. Imports have also arrived from 66.8 thousand tons with a value of USD 59.4 million to 10.2 thousand tons with a value of USD 20.9 million and have grown by -14.5 and -8.3 percent, respectively. The share of these fish in the total catch of Iran is 38.5% and its export is 1.4% of the country's aquatic exports. The 33% increase in the domestic price of fish tuna in this period and the difference in its price with the imported price in 2024 have created special conditions in Iran. Currently, the article examines the country's strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, quality of fishing, improvement of the fleet and transportation, reduction of waste in the missing links of the industry, diversification of processed products, as well as constructive interaction with international organizations and It suggests continuous presence and monitoring in the world market and having a comprehensive plan and road map for the development of tuna and tuna-like species industry in Iran.