(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam seafood exports in 2013 are hoped to hit over US$6.5 billion, up 5 percent year-on-year, mainly due to sharp increase in vannamei exports. However, lack of raw shrimp may negatively affect seafood export target this year.
So far, the price of black tiger shrimp and vannamei in some Mekong Delta provinces has increased by 10-15 percent from the early November 2013. High shrimp price fetched high profit to farmers but create burdens on processors.
In the period from July to September 2013, shrimp exporters were in high demand for raw shrimp to process, however, they faced fierce competitiveness from dealers in buying raw shrimp from domestic farmers to transfer to China. They offered farmers higher price than that paid by processors. Rise in shrimp output failed to meet processors’ demand.
To ensure raw shrimp supply for domestic production, competent authorities are strengthening to control exports of raw shrimp through border.
Normally, farmers earn VND30-40 million per hectare for one crop. Currently, they can earn VND50-60 million per hectare thanks to record high in shrimp price.
High shrimp price, well-controlled EMS, favorable weather condition are boosting shrimp farming, especially whiteleg shrimp in many provinces. The number of shrimp crops in this year increased to 3 ones.
From now to the late 2013, shrimp exports will be on the upward trend owing to high demand from importing markets. Shrimp shipment in 2013 is hoped to reach US$2.8 billion, up 27 percent year-on-year.