January 9, 2007

Vietnam's tra and basa 2006 catfish exports to reach US$560 million

Vietnam's tra and basa catfish exports are estimated to reach US$560 million in 2006 or 210, 000 tonnes have been sold in the international market, according to the Ministry of Fisheries.

The export value of tra and basa catfish were on the rise in all markets, including the European Union. Russia's tra and basa catfish imports reached US$54.9 million in 2006, posting a 270 percent increase over 2005 while exports to Poland have reached US$45 million. 

Prices of tra and basa catfish exports from Mekong Delta have risen to VND 12,500-14,500 (US$0.77 to US$0.90) per kilogramme. Reasonable prices of catfish in the domestic market have encouraged farmers to double their catfish production.