News

Shrimp exports swell despite COVID-19 pandemic

18/06/2021    18

Despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, shrimp exports by Mekong Delta provinces have increased remarkably this year thanks to efforts made by both authorities and businesses.

According to Ca Mau province’s Department of Industry and Trade, exports in the first five months are estimated at more than 423 million USD, a year-on-year increase of 16 percent.

Bac Lieu province’s shimp export revenues were up 9 percent to 280 million USD.

Nguyen Minh Tuan of Minh Cuong Seafood Import-Export JSC, an old operator in the shrimp industry, said his company’s shrimp exports grew sharply this year, and it was scrupulously implementing COVID-19 prevention measures at its factory.

Many shrimp farmers in the delta continue to expand production since they earn good incomes.

Pham Van Quan of My Long Nam commune in Tra Vinh province’s Cau Ngang district, said: "A few months ago, a kilogramme of black tiger shrimp fetched 200,000-220,000 VND (8.7-9.6 USD), but now it has decreased to 170,000 VND (7.4 USD), and white-leg shrimp is priced at 130,000 - 140,000 VND (5.7-6.1 USD). But farmers still make a profit."

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), exports were worth 3.27 billion USD in the first five months, up 14 percent year-on-year.

Shrimp exports accounted for 1.33 billion USD, an increase of 14 percent.

The exports went to over 120 markets, with the US, Japan, EU, China, the Republic of Korea, ASEAN, and Australia being the largest markets, it said.

Demand for shrimp had increased significantly in many markets, while supply from India, Thailand and some other countries had fallen due to COVID-19, it said.

Taking advantage of this, Vietnamese companies had accelerated shrimp exports, it added.

According to seafood businesses, shrimp exports to the US will continue to boom this year, and they also expect to increase exports to the EU, mainly white-leg shrimps.

Seafood exports to the Republic of Korea have shown signs of recovery, and so shipments to the market would increase, they said, adding that exports to countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and Russia would continue to be good thanks to an increase in demand and lack of market barriers.

Source: VietnamPlus