In December 2007, seafood export is estimated at 2,200 MT worth US$7 million, down 5.17% and 4.8% respectively over the same period, bringing the total seafood export to Hong Kong in 2007 to 25,850 MT and US$87.7 million, up 6.72% in values.
The festivals and Lunar New Year holidays in the first months of the year in Hong Kong are projected to prompt the demand for seafood in the first quarter of 2008. Seafood export to Hong Kong is expected to reach about US$100 million in 2008.
In first 11 months of 2007, pangasius products are major export items to Hong Kong with 15,700 MT valued at US$34 million, accounting for 66.4% of total volume and 42.1% of export values to this market. Next to pangasius was frozen shrimp accounting for 13.1% in volume and 32% in values; frozen squid 3.18% and 4.66%; canned tuna 1.74% and 1.94%; live crab 1.64% and 1.52%; dried finfish 1.39% and 2.55%; dried shrimp 1% and 1.22%, respectively.
Major export items which reached higher volume and values over the same period include:
- Frozen shrimp increased by 5.45% in volume and 11.05% in values
- Frozen squid by 27.14% and 71.60%;
- Dried finfish by 4.62% and 6.25%;
- Dried shrimp by 487.94% and 472.46%, respectively.
Major export items which reached lower volume and values over the same period include:
- Frozen finfish decreased by 2.05% in volume and 0.3% in values;
- Live crab by 38.8% and 36.8%;
- Dried squid by 27.83% and 28%, respectively.