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.
VASEP's Seafood Export Report for the third quarter of 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's seafood export performance in the first nine months, with impressive results reaching $7.2 billion—an increase of 9% over the same period last year. In the third quarter alone, seafood exports grew by 15%, totaling $2.8 billion. This growth is attributed to a recovery in demand and prices in key markets such as the U.S. and China, as well as the competitive advantage of value-added products in markets like Japan and Australia.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The European Union, with its stringent quality requirements, has become an attractive destination for the shrimp industry of many countries, including Vietnam. Vietnamese shrimp meeting EU export standards not only increases product value but also solidifies Vietnam's position in the global seafood market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's shrimp exports accounted for the highest export value among all seafood products in the first nine months of the year, reaching nearly $2.8 billion, a 10.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the Ben Tre Statistics Department, the province’s aquaculture sector has been relatively stable and has experienced growth recently, particularly due to the high efficiency of intensive shrimp farming models.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the third quarter, several Vietnamese seafood companies announced strong financial results, showcasing resilience and growth in a challenging market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2024, the fishery production of Soc Trang province has continued to be stable and develop. The farming area and fishery output have increased compared to the same period last year. The consumption of seafood products has generally been favorable.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first nine months of 2024, aquaculture in Kien Giang province has shown potential growth, helping to offset the decline in capture fisheries.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's exports of frozen tuna meat/loin have continuously grown during the first eight months of 2024. Notably, in August 2024, the export value of frozen tuna meat/loins hit a year-to-date high, exceeding $51 million, up 19% compared to the same period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Among Vietnam's bivalve molluscs exports, clams have emerged as a leading product, accounting for over 52% of the total export value.
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