Export of live clams, oysters increased sharply

Clams have the largest export turnover, reaching nearly 79 million USD, down 17% compared to 2022, as exports to the two main markets, Spain and Italy fell deeply by 15% and 36% respectively. Frozen steamed clams HS code 16055600 was the main export product with an export value of 72 million USD and its 3 main markets: Italy, Spain and Portugal, accounting for 66%. Among these top 3 markets, only Portugal had a 10% increase in Vietnam’s clam imports. In particular, regarding frozen steamed clams in the EU, Vietnamese products always rank first, holding a dominant market share of 40-80% in main markets.

The US is Vietnam's 4th largest clam export market, but last year, clam exports to the US decreased by 16%. In this market, China's frozen steamed clam products account for 50%, and the average export price is often 20-40% lower than Vietnamese products, so Vietnamese clams face more competition in the US.

Oysters had a breakthrough in export growth in 2023, up 56%, reaching over 14 million USD, mainly fresh and chilled oysters. In particular, the Taiwan market alone consumes over 77% of Vietnam's oyster, worth nearly 11 million USD, up 26% compared to 2022. In addition, Vietnam also exports fresh chilled oysters to Lao, Cambodia, Japan…

Regarding snails, Vietnam mainly exports frozen apple snails, spotted babylon snails, in addition to wool snails, Indian volute and others. In 2023, exported snail products reached nearly 16 million USD, down 6%. The main consumption markets include Japan, the US, China, and Korea. Exports to most markets decreased compared to 2022, except for Korea, which increased by 47% with apple snails and sea snails as the main products.

In 2023, beside the 4 largest imports markets of Vietnamese clams, China and Cambodia also saw breakthrough. Exports to China increase 34 times and to Cambodia nearly 16 times compared to 2022. These two countries import mainly live undulating venus from Vietnam, in addition to  live spotted babylon snails and oysters.

Bivalve is a popular commodity for the developing HORECA industry. In 2023, demand for bivalve mollusks recovered, especially in the summer, the number of tourists, mostly in the EU, increased, therefore consumption in restaurants increased. However, because supply in 2023 also increased (mussels, oysters, scallops...), prices decreased. The supply and prices of other bivalve molluscs also had a competitive impact on Vietnam's exported clam, so price of clams also decreased, causing the export value to drop.

China is the main exporter of clams, while Japan and South Korea are the main importers. In the first half of 2023, these countries all reduced clam trading volume. China reduced exports by 5% to 57,000 tons. Japan also experienced a 5% decrease in imports to 20,000 tons. Korea's clam imports decreased by 500 tons in the first 6 months of the year but are still the main importing country (Source: FAO).

Inflation continues to impact demand and due to the general economic situation, consumers may limit their consumption of expensive foods, which will lead to reduced demand for oysters and other bivalves.