April 9, 2008

Vietnam targets US$130 million seafood exports to Canada

Vietnam aims to export US$130 million worth of seafood to Canada this year, up 30 percent from 2007, the Trade Information Centre said.

In the first quarter of this year, the country exported 3,200 tonnes of seafood products valued at US$21.6 million to Canada, representing on year rises of 15.4 percent in volume and 12.5 percent in value.

Frozen tra catfish and shrimp were the two major exports to Canada in the first thee months, accounting for 86 percent in volume and 90.5 percent in volume, respectively, the centre said. Canned fish (3.3 percent and 1.51 percent) and fresh fish (2.7 percent and 3.54 percent), were also shipped.

The centre Canada is seen to increase its purchase of Vietnamese seafood from May to November when Canadian people want more seafood for their big holidays.

In 2007, Vietnam exported 15,300 tonnes of seafood products worth US$98 million to Canada, up 22.74 percent on year in volume and 26.7 percent in value.