(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Although China is still steadfast with the Zero COVID policy and many major seafood centers are blocked, Vietnam's seafood exports to China in the first quarter still doubled compared to the same period in 2021, reaching 326 million USD.
According to the General Department of Customs, in March, seafood exports to China reached US$182 million, an increase of 2.2 times compared to February. Generally in the first quarter, seafood exports to China reached US$326 million, up doubled compared to the same period in 2021.
Thus, although China has just experienced a wave of COVID-19 with a sudden increase in the number of new infections, blocking many seafood capitals such as Guangdong and Shanghai, tightening the food import process... but exporting seafood Vietnamese products to this market still grew well.
The fact that China is consistent with the Zero COVID-19 policy, strengthening quarantine for frozen seafood is a difficulty for all seafood export markets, not only Vietnam.
Regarding pangasius exports, BIDV Securities Company (BSC) said that two weeks after China announced the blockade of many cities, the export of this item has not shown any signs of decline.
In the first quarter, pangasius exports to China were estimated at 65,000 tons, equivalent to USD 165 million, up 87% in volume and 2.6 times in value compared to the same period in 2021. The average pangasius selling price reached USD 2,530/ton, up 74%.
BSC believes that China will gradually move towards reopening and then its pangasius consumption will be on par with the US. This will be a factor driving the growth of the pangasius industry in the second half of this year.
As for shrimp, the Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said that after a sharp decline of 22% in 2021, shrimp exports have shown signs of growth recovery earlier this year.
In the first 2 months of the year, shrimp exports to this market reached nearly 40 million USD, up 14% over the same period last year.
VASEP forecasts that in 2022, China's shrimp imports will increase sharply. However, China's regulations and barriers are still strict, and businesses exporting to this market need to ensure the control and prevention of COVID-19 during the production and export of shrimp to China.
With positive signals in the first quarter of many seafood products, the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) believes that the prospect of seafood exports to the Chinese market will be optimistic in 2022.
Compiled by Minh Trang
Source: VASEP