Thailand, the world''s largest tuna exporter, is coming under pressure to export more this year, although most are cautious about the prospect.
Wimol Jantrarotai, director-general of the Fishery Department, told the Bangkok Post newspaper an increase largely depends on how much raw tuna is secured.
"Apart from the declining supply of tuna, limits on the number of tuna ships and pirate attacks have dampened the industry's prospects even as demand keeps rising in the global market," said Dr Wimol.
Narin Niruttinanon, deputy general manager of Thai Union Manufacturing Co, backed up this and suggested Thailand's tuna exports could actually slip this year because supplies are constrained.
