Seafood export is estimated to bring in US$2.261 billion in revenue to Vietnam, in the first eight months of this year, presenting an on year rise of 14.1 per cent, according to the General Statistics Office.
In August alone, the country exported US$370 million worth of seafood.
In Jan-July period, Vietnam’s total seafood export revenue was US$1.991 billion, with totally shipped 500,000 tons, up 14.44 per cent on year in value and 14.94 per cent in volume, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep) said.
In the period, EU surpassed the US to become to biggest importer of Vietnamese seafood with total import turnover jumping to US$500 million, accounting for 25.17 per cent.
In 2006, EU ranked second in seafood imports from Vietnam with a share of 22.84 per cent.
Following is the US, which is estimated to imported US$389.09 million worth of seafood from Vietnam in the first seven months of 2007, occupying 19.58 per cent
Japan took third position as it spent US$371.5 million, or 18.7 per cent.
South Korea, ASEAN countries, China and Hong Kong were also recognized as big importers. South Korea alone imported US$133.35 million worth of Vietnamese seafood, up 21.68 per cent on year and occupying 6.71 per cent.
Seafood export to ASEAN countries rose by 33.14 per cent on year with revenue of US$103.6 million; to Hong Kong up 25.04 per cent, with US$93.24 million.
Export to Russia brought in only US$63.96 million in seven months, but the figure is expected to sharply increase in the remaining months of the year after the two countries sign new cooperation deal in seafood export.
Vasep said in the first seven months, frozen shrimp brought most with US$670.29 million, followed by tra and basa catfish with US$535.45 million, and frozen fish with US$156.67 million.
Vietnam is expected to notch up US$3.6 billion from seafood exports by the year’s end.
Local enterprises have invested in expanding their processing capacities, upgrading equipment and technology so as to increase the quality and diversity of their products.
Three key challenges for seafood exports in the remaining months of the year include food safety and hygiene, shortage of safe processing materials and steep competition in both input and output markets. (GSO Aug Edition, Vietnam Economic Times)
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