February 25, 2013

In January 2013, Vietnam's seafood exports reached US$486.7 million, a 34.1% increase from the same period last year.

Exports to major markets have seen strong growth. Exports to ASEAN countries increased 111%, China and Hong Kong increased by 97%, Brazil 89% and Australia 84.5%, reports VASEP.

Exports to other markets increased from 12-50%, except for the Russian market, which declined over 40%.

Exports of fish (except tuna and catfish) increased 49%, followed by tuna at 47% and catfish at 41%.

Exports of shrimp and octopus grew less positively however, with growth of 25% and 14% respectively, compared with the same period last year.

Despite the rise in January, seafood exports in February are expected to decrease due to a public holiday and the difficulties of access to capital and raw materials. The struggling export market also continues to affect the export business.