Oyster and sea cucumber exports skyrocket
VOV.VN - Despite several key seafood exports enduring a drop, Vietnamese oyster, sea cucumber, and dried fish exports during the opening five months of the year increased sharply between 40% and 100% compared to the same period from last year.
The strongest export growth was recorded in oysters with more than 2,700 tonnes worth over US$5 million, up 100% in volume and 81% in value on-year. This was followed by sea cucumber with 73 tonnes worth US$1.7 million, up 160% in volume and 40% in value.
Furthermore, dried fish also represented a favourite item among international customers in the reviewed period with more than 39,400 tonnes of dried fish, up 40% on-year, while canned fish also reached over 11,200 tonnes, up 20% on-year. This sudden increase can be attributed to the fact that consumers prefer unique and rare products.
Currently, China represents the largest consumer of Vietnamese oysters. According to details given by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), dried fish and canned fish are widely considered to be a bright spot amid a downward trend in seafood exports.
The top five markets for dried fish consumption include China at 56%, Russia at 17%, Malaysia at 8% , Hong Kong (China) at 4% and the Republic of Korea at 3%.
Statistics compiled by the General Department of Vietnam Customs indicate that the nation shipped 816,000 tonnes of aquatic products worth US$3.47 billion over the opening five months of the year, representing a drop of 15.3% in volume and 25.9% in value compared to last year’s corresponding period.
Industry insiders assessed that seafood exports are showing signs of recovery and will see robust growth ahead in the third quarter of the year, with the export value fluctuating between US$850 million and US$900 million.
