Vietnam’s export of seafood was estimated at 464 million USD, bringing
its total earnings in the first four months of the year down to 1.7
billion USD, 4.6 percent lower than the same period last year.
According to the General Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the fall in export turnover
stemmed from the global economic recession, which resulted in a low
demand from Vietnam ’s three major markets.
Specifically, seafood exports to the US, the Republic of Korea and
Japan experienced a decline of 4.2 percent, 24.5 percent and 6.3
percent respectively.
However, the country’s
aquatic exports to China and Thailand enjoyed a healthy increase
of 50.2 percent and 23.7 percent respectively against the first quarter
of the previous year.
Tra fish exports from Ben Tre, Vinh Long and Can Tho were restricted by protective tariff barriers in foreign markets.
Therefore, it is advisable that seafood businesses pay due attention
to food hygiene, which is regarded as the leading factor in aquatic
export activities.
Besides, the sector should take
measures to reduce indirect expenses and service costs for seafood
businesses to offset the hike in transport costs.-VNA