Aquatic export hits US$2.1 bln in four months

Vietnam earned an estimated US$604 million from the export of aquatic products in April, bringing the total figure of the year’s first four months to about US$2.1 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.2%.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Japan, the US, China and the Republic of Korea (RoK) were main importers of Vietnamese aquatic products, accounting for 52.2% of the total export value in the period. 

Meanwhile, the highest surge was seen in the Brazilian market with 75.1%, followed by the Netherlands with 43.4%; Japan, 29.5%; the RoK, 25.2%; China 17.9% and Canada 15.2%.

Imports of aquatic products were valued at US$427 million in the four months, 35% higher than the same period last year.

The MARD said the price of Tra fish for processing in the Mekong Delta region was higher in April compared to the previous month, fluctuating between 24,000-26,000 VND/kg, while supply remains limited.

According to the Vietnam Fisheries Society, aquaculture contributed three percent to the country’s gross domestic product in 2016. Export turnover of aquatic products in the year increased 7.4% year-on-year, reaching US$7.05 billion.

The figure is expected to rise 5 percent this year, hitting US$7.5 billion, 65% of which would come from aquaculture.