April 26, 2004

Vietnam Aquaculture Industry Hampered By Lack Of Raw Materials
 

According to the Fisheries Ministry, certain seafood processing factories in Vietnam have to cease operations temporarily. A handful will continue production at a low level due to the increasing prices for materials.

The prices for black tiger shrimp in the southern provinces of Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau have risen by around 10% compared to early in the year. Seafood processors must purchase shrimp at higher prices to maintain operations, while they continue to export in line with market prices.

In some provinces in the central region and Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, herds of cultured shrimp have died thereby causing a scarcity. Provinces with a large volume of shrimp deaths include Ben Tre 551ha, Tien Giang 241ha, Bac Lieu 568ha, Phu Yen 252ha and Thua Thien - Hue 200ha. According to seafood processor, this trend will continue until July.

The Ministry of Fisheries has revealed that seafood export revenue is estimated to reach US$155mil this month, raising the total value to $575mil in four months.

The export structure has changed considerably. While seafood exports to the US decline, exports to Japan, Germany, the UK, Belgium, the Republic of Korea and Australia are soaring.