Exports of shrimp from Vietnam topped US $3 billion in 2013, accounting for almost 45% of the Southeast Asian nation’s total seafood exports of 6.7% billion. Demand for the popular Litopenaeus vannamei species, which was in short supply from producers in China and Thailand, resulted in a whopping 113% increase in receipts over 2012 as sales reached nearly $1.6 billion.
However, exports of cultured pangasius fish were relatively flat at $1.7 billion. This was due to supply instability, reduced demand and lower prices, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh City-based non-government organization reported that tuna exports fell 7.2% and sales of cephalopods declined 11%.
China now ranks as the fourth biggest market for seafood from Vietnam, as strong demand saw year-on-year growth in exports to the PRC rise 49% for shrimp and 37% for seafood products overall.
The United States remains the top export market for Vietnam’s seafood (most of which is shipped frozen), importing almost $1.241 billion during the first ten months of 2013, up 21.9% over the January to October period in 2012. The European Union ranked second, buying $967,926,000 worth of product (+1.29%), followed by Japan ($816,744,000, +2.6%), China ($462,393,000, +36.7%) and South Korea ($394,212,000, -4.4%).
What is the sales outlook this year? VASEP has posted the following prediction on its website (www.vasep.com.vn) recently:
“Vietnam seafood exports in 2014 will surpass export turnover of 2013 if the quality of shrimp seed is ensured and chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture and exported products are closely controlled. Shrimp sales in 2014 are expected to remain over $3 billion, with the target of $3.5 billion. Exports of pangasius, tuna, cephalopod and other marine products in 2014 are likely to recover because it is expected that global demand for the items may increase slightly amid gradual improvement in global economy.”
