Tuna Import Volumes to the U.S. Declining

In the first four months of 2012, the U.S. imported 79,600 tons of tuna from 49 different countries.  This is a 15 percent decline in volume compared to the same period a year ago according to fis.com.  Officials are blaming a shortage of raw tuna, increased production costs and and higher fish prices for the decline.

However, the value of the species has increased.  Fis.com reports that the imported tuna was worth an estimated $451.7 million, which is a 12 percent increase in the value of the product.