In September 2024, the export turnover for pangasius to Iraq reached nearly $1.8 million, reflecting a remarkable 155% increase compared to the same month in 2023. The cumulative value of pangasius exports to Iraq during the third quarter of 2024 alone totaled nearly $5 million, a staggering 111% rise from Q3 2023. Notably, the total pangasius export value for the first nine months of 2024 reached $11 million, an impressive 127% increase over the same period last year, and nearly 1.5 times the total export value for all of 2023.
Product Preferences and Market Dynamics
Unlike many of Vietnam’s other pangasius import markets, Iraq has shown a strong preference for dried fish products and other frozen options, such as whole fish and cut portions. In the first three quarters of 2024, exports of these products to Iraq amounted to $8 million, representing a 245% increase from the previous year and accounting for 73% of total exports. Meanwhile, frozen pangasius fillets contributed nearly $3 million in export value, reflecting a more modest growth of 19% year-over-year, and making up 27% of total pangasius exports to the country.
Iraq serves as a significant market and a longstanding trading partner for Vietnam. Despite being one of the world's largest oil exporters, Iraq's aquaculture industry is relatively underdeveloped. The primary freshwater fish species include various Barbus species and carp, primarily sourced from domestic waters and the Persian Gulf. The lack of an industrial fish processing sector means that most fish consumed in Iraq are fresh, with fishing contributing only a small fraction to the country's GDP.
Remarkably, despite geographical challenges and ongoing regional conflicts, Iraq's demand for Vietnamese pangasius products continues to grow. This resilience suggests a robust opportunity for further expansion in this market.
Leading Exporters
Among the exporters, Cuu Long An Giang Seafood Import-Export Joint Stock Company stands out as the leading supplier of pangasius to Iraq, capturing an impressive 60% share of the
The substantial increase in pangasius exports to Iraq underscores the potential for growth in this market, driven by specific consumer preferences for dried and frozen fish products. As Vietnam continues to strengthen its presence in the Middle Eastern seafood market, companies will need to adapt to local demands and navigate the complexities of the regional trade environment to maximize their opportunities.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2023, total pangasius imports into the European Union saw a significant decline compared to the previous year. Approximately 70,000 tons were imported, 3,000 tons less than in 2022, according to a report from FAO-Globefish.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On December 11, Vinh Hoan Joint Stock Company (Vinh Hoan Corp) was once again honored in the "Top 50 Most Effective Businesses in Vietnam" ranking, compiled annually by the Investment Bridge Magazine. This marks the 11th consecutive year Vinh Hoan has been recognized in this prestigious list.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The purchase price of raw pangasius in the first 11 months of 2024 remained at 26,000-27,000 VND/kg. However, farmers faced challenges in earning profits due to rising costs of fish feed, fuel, and labor during the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company (FIMEX) recently announced its production and business results for November 2024, showing a 5% year-over-year increase in revenue but a 21% decline compared to the previous month.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Soc Trang province underscores the critical role of the fisheries sector in driving its socio-economic development. Located along Vietnam's coastline, the province features 72 km of shoreline, three major estuaries—Dinh An, Tran De, and My Thanh—and a dense river network encompassing diverse ecosystems, including saltwater, brackish, and freshwater. These natural resources provide ideal conditions for the growth of aquaculture, making the fisheries sector a cornerstone of Soc Trang’s economic strategy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2024, the pangasius industry in Dong Thap is projected to achieve a production value of VND 8.802 billion, marking a 2.86% increase compared to 2023 and accounting for over 17% of the province's total agricultural, forestry, and fishery production value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tuna exports to Japan have seen robust growth over the past two months. Data from Vietnam Customs shows that in October 2024 alone, tuna exports to Japan surged by 31% year-on-year, reaching nearly USD 3.5 million. This growth has offset the decline experienced in the first half of the year, raising the total export value for the first ten months of 2024 to nearly USD 28 million, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.
A business forum was held by the Dutch Embassy in Vietnam in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on November 27, seeking ways for sustainable aquaculture in the region.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On November 18, Ms. Truong Ha Phuong Anh, Director of the Center for Investment Promotion and Business Support (iPEC), stated that during the Ca Mau Province Agricultural and Aquatic Products Trade Promotion Conference 2024, held on November 15, there were 209 direct trade interactions between 42 seafood processing and exporting enterprises, OCOP producers in the province, and five leading domestic retail companies: Central Retail, Saigon Co.op, Kingfood Mart, Bach Hoa Xanh, and Satra Supermarket.
In 2024, the Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center successfully implemented a semi-intensive and intensive two-stage whiteleg shrimp farming model using Semi-Biofloc technology.
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