(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports in 2013 estimated to hit about US$28 billion, US$0.3 billion higher than 2012.
Seafood industry remains to a key export sector with value of estimated nearly US$7 billion in 2013, a surge of 9 percent year-on-year. Seafood exports in 2013 reaped high earnings despite lower demand from big markets caused by economic crisis.
Being one of large exporters of forestry product and wooden furniture, in 2013, Vietnam estimated to bring home over US$5 billion, up 16 percent from 2012. Good performance of the forestry sector in recent years was attributable to diversification of products by domestic enterprises.
Rubber sector faced hardship in 2013 due to fall in global rubber price, unstable demand from China (traditional market of Vietnam rubber). However, rubber exports in 2013 hit over 1.4 million MT, earning nearly US$3 billion, the same as the previous year’s figure. The average export price was US$2,138.1 per MT, slightly down from 2012.
The rice sector in 2013 estimated to bring in over US$3 billion from selling 6.7 million MT. The export price was US$431 per MT, US$15 per MT lower than 2012. Rice exports to Africa made up 30 percent of the country’s total rice exports. In 2012, Vietnam was the second largest rice exporter with the volume of 7.7 million MT, earning US$3.5 billion.
Besides, shipment of coffee, cashew nut and cassava also experienced good export turnover of US$2.5 billion, US$1.6 billion and over US$1 billion, respectively.