Seafood exports hit US$4.3 billion

The US, Japan, China and the Republic of Korea remained largest consumers of Vietnam aquatic products with 53.4% of market shares for the period. Markets seeing high export growth included China (53.9%), the US (11.9%), Thailand (9.9%) and the Netherlands (8.4%).

Meanwhile, aquatic imports in August are estimated at US$108 million, bringing the total import value in the eight months to US$691 million, down 3.9% against the corresponding period last year.

Largest import markets are India (accounting for 26.4%), Norway, Taiwan, Japan and China (making up 9.8%, 9.2%, 6.3% and 6.1%, respectively).

Consumption of material Tra fish on the domestic market in August was very slow although its price hit a record low over the last five years. However, the price of material shrimp in Ca Mau province increased slightly as a result of limited supply.