(vasep.com.vn) In first 10 months of 2014, shrimp exports reached US$ 3.35 billion, up 35.9% compared to the same period last year. Although exports in October rose 3.5%, but the remaining 2 months, shrimp exports this year are expected to reach over US$ 3.9 billion.
In the first 9 months, Vietnam earned over US$ 2.9 billion from shrimp sales thanks to exports to most major markets surged. In October, exports to major markets (except the US and China) continued to rise sharply, especially to countries in the EU. Currently, the EU is the 3rd largest consumer of Vietnam shrimp, accounting for 17.3% of total exports, behind the United States (27.1%) and Japan (18.3%).
Shrimp exports to Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, 3 leaders in Vietnam shrimp consuming in the EU increased 57.4%, respectively, 244.7% and 47.9% compared to the same period last year. Improving economies, demand increases while supply shortfalls are the key factors for Vietnam shrimp increasing ít market share in these markets.
Exports to China also fell sharply (-31.9%) in October partly due to increased supply of domestic shrimp.
In 2014, Vietnam shrimp production continues to increase compared to 2013. According to statistics from the Directorate of Fisheries, the country produced 395,000 tons of shrimp in the first nine months (180,000 tons of black tiger and 215,000 tons of whiteleg) an increase of 52% over the same period last year. The production of whiteleg shrimp increased 101%.
While Thailand's shrimp production continues to fall this year, is expected to reach 200,000 tons (down from 540,000 tons in 2012) will create more favorable conditions for Vietnam to offset shortages from Thailand for the global shrimp market.
Vannamei were quickly overcome black tiger shrimp and accounted for the highest proportion in the structure of Vietnam's shrimp exports in first 10 months of 2014. Whiteleg shrimp export value nearly doubled compared with black tiger. Accordingly, whiteleg shrimp exports reached US$1.95 billion, accounting for 58.3% of total exports. Black tiger shrimp exports reached US$ 1.18 billion, accounting for 35.3%.