Feb 21, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Tuna (Prepared Or Preserved) – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK preserved tuna market is forecast to grow modestly, with volume projected to reach 110K tons by 2035 at a CAGR of +0.7%, and value to reach $647M at a CAGR of +1.9%. In 2024, consumption and imports surged by 16% to 102K tons and $525M/$539M respectively, though long-term trends remain relatively flat. Ecuador is the dominant import supplier (33% share), while the UK’s own exports are minimal and declining. Import prices averaged $5,296/ton in 2024, with significant variation by country, while export prices were higher at $6,927/ton.
Key Findings
UK preserved tuna market is forecast for modest growth, with volume reaching 110K tons by 2035 at a +0.7% CAGR and value hitting $647M at a +1.9% CAGR2024 saw a significant 16% surge in both consumption (102K tons) and market value ($525M), though long-term trends remain relatively flatEcuador is the leading import source, supplying 33% of volume and 31% of value, with strong average annual growth over the past decadeImport prices have remained stable around $5,296 per ton, with Spain commanding the highest price and the Philippines the lowest among major suppliersUK exports are minimal (343 tons in 2024) and have declined dramatically from peak levels, with France, Belgium, and the Philippines as top destinationsMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for preserved tuna in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +0.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 110K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.9% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $647M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Tuna (Prepared or Preserved)
In 2024, approx. 102K tons of tuna (prepared or preserved) were consumed in the UK; with an increase of 16% on 2023. Overall, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, consumption hit record highs at 110K tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
The value of the preserved tuna market in the UK skyrocketed to $525M in 2024, growing by 16% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a mild reduction. Preserved tuna consumption peaked at $595M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Tuna (Prepared or Preserved)
Preserved tuna imports into the UK surged to 102K tons in 2024, with an increase of 16% on the previous year. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at 114K tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, preserved tuna imports surged to $539M in 2024. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a mild decrease. Imports peaked at $645M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Ecuador (33K tons) constituted the largest supplier of preserved tuna to the UK, accounting for a 33% share of total imports. Moreover, preserved tuna imports from Ecuador exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Mauritius (14K tons), twofold. Ghana (10K tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 10% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume from Ecuador amounted to +14.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mauritius (-4.1% per year) and Ghana (-1.8% per year).
In value terms, Ecuador ($168M) constituted the largest supplier of tuna (prepared or preserved) to the UK, comprising 31% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mauritius ($75M), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Seychelles, with a 12% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value from Ecuador totaled +13.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mauritius (-4.8% per year) and Seychelles (-4.9% per year).
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average preserved tuna import price amounted to $5,296 per ton, approximately reflecting the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 17%. The import price peaked at $5,757 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Spain ($9,081 per ton), while the price for the Philippines ($4,372 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+2.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Tuna (Prepared or Preserved)
Preserved tuna exports from the UK surged to 343 tons in 2024, with an increase of 18% on 2023 figures. Overall, exports, however, showed a dramatic setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 97%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 6K tons. From 2019 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, preserved tuna exports surged to $2.4M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports, however, faced a precipitous slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 35%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $29M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
Exports By Country
The Philippines (52 tons), France (48 tons) and Ireland (29 tons) were the main destinations of preserved tuna exports from the UK, with a combined 38% share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Philippines (with a CAGR of +43.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, France ($283K), Belgium ($255K) and the Philippines ($242K) were the largest markets for preserved tuna exported from the UK worldwide, together comprising 33% of total exports.
The Philippines, with a CAGR of +47.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
The average preserved tuna export price stood at $6,927 per ton in 2024, rising by 9.7% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the average export price increased by 65%. The export price peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($15,152 per ton), while the average price for exports to Ecuador ($4,411 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Gibraltar (+13.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the preserved tuna industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the preserved tuna landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 10202540 – Prepared or preserved tuna, skipjack and Atlantic bonito, w hole or in pieces (excluding minced products and prepared meals and dishes)Country coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links preserved tuna demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of preserved tuna dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the preserved tuna market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.