Vietnam seafood exports to Russia revesered, increase sharply from August

Seafood exports to Russia in March and April decreased by 86% and 46%, respectively, because of traffic congestion and difficult trade payments. However, from May, seafood exports to Russia recovered gradually and from July, exports reversed, increasing by 36% and increasing strongly by 98% in August.

Pangasius is still the most exported product, accounting for 22% of seafood exports to the Russian market with nearly 21 million USD in the first 8 months of this year, down 12% compared to the same period last year. In which, frozen pangasius fillets accounted for about 75%, whole pangasius accounted for 14%, and sliced pangasius accounted for 11%.

While the export of most seafood products to Russia decreased because of the interruption in the first stage of the Russia-Ukraine war, the export of Yellowstripe scad, tuna and anchovies to this market still maintained positive growth.  In which, tuna exports accounted for 17%, increased by 97% to nearly 16 million USD, Yellowstripe scad increased by 6% to 14.6 million USD, accounting for 15%, anchovies increased by 27% to 4.6 million USD.

Exports of white leg shrimp, fish cakes & surimi all decreased by over 50% over the same period last year. In which, whiteleg shrimp exports reached over 16 million USD, accounting for 17%, surimi fish cake exports reached over 12 million USD, accounting for 13%.

Vietnam seafood exports to Russia revesered, increase sharply from August

In the first 8 months of 2022, there were 39 Vietnamese enterprises exporting seafood to Russia. In which, Nam Viet Corp accounted for the largest proportion of 13% with the main product being pangasius. Followed by Sai Gon Food Import Export JSC(12%), Hai Vuong Company Limited (12%), Anh Long FOOD CO.,LTD (8%) and Minh Phu Seafood Corp (7%)… In 2022, 6 more enterprises are allowed to export seafood to Russia, so there are currently 54 enterprises allowed to export to this market.

According to Mr. Duong Hoang Minh, Vietnam's Trade Counselor in Russia, when the Russia-Ukraine war happened, the Russian banking system was blocked, the ruble was devalued, but Russia took quick actions to keep the foreign currency source stable. Despite economic sanctions from many G7 countries, the Russian market is still quite stable because Russia still has many other partners, and Russia's exports to the world market are still increasing. In 2021, Russia's trade surplus will reach about 70 billion USD. This year Russia's trade surplus is forecast to be even larger. The payment problem for exporting to Russia is no longer difficult and the market space is still large.

According to Mr. Minh, transporting goods from Vietnam to Russia has become more convenient. Currently, the Russian shipping group has opened a direct transport route from Ho Chi Minh City - Hai Phong - Vladivostok and there have been a number of other shipping lines running new routes, the transportation is faster and the time is shorter. In addition, there is a rail transport system to support trade with Russia.

With many positive signals, seafood exports to the Russian market will continue to recover in the last months of this year. It is forecasted that in 2022, Vietnam's seafood exports to Russia will record a growth of 16%, reaching over 190 million USD.

Compiled by Thuy Linh