(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Directorate of Fisheries, in QI/2016, seafood production by the country estimated at nearly VND35.4 trillion, up 2.3% compared to QI/2015. In which, aquaculture production hit the value of VND17 trillion, up 0.9%; and the value of capture ouput was more over VND18.4 trillion, up 3.8% from QI/2015.
In the first quarter of 2016, favorable weather and lower fuel prices, the rebound in seafood exports facilitated catching activities. Total capture production in Jan-Mar 2016 touched 722,100 MT, up 3.7% compared to the same period of 2015. In particular, marine catch reached 683,800 MT, an increase of nearly 4% over QI/2015.
Currently shrimp price in the Mekong Delta rose by VND15,000 – 20,000/kg compared to early 2016. The price of whiteleg shrimp sized 100 pcs/kg is VND95,000 - VND115,000/kg; and black tiger shrimp sized 30 pcs/kg is priced at VND240,000 - VND280,000/kg.
The average pangasius price in QI/2016 was on a downward trend compared to QI/2015 with a decrease of VND2,500 - VND3,500/kg, however, in Mar 2016 pangasius price began to recover.
According to General Department of Vietnam Customs, seafood export value as of Mar 15th, 2016 estimated at nearly US$1.2 billion, an climb of 9.5% over the same period last year. In the first half of Mar 2016, seafood exports estimated at over US$240 million, up 16% over the same period in 2015.
As of Mar 15th, 2016, Vietnam seafood exports to the U.S. and China showed the sharpest growth of 26% and 36%, respectively. That the U.S. announced 45 companies of Vietnam eligible to export pangasius to the U.S. also contributed significantly to Vietnam seafood exports in general. Besides, Vietnam seafood exports to the EU and Japan started to show the recovery.
Compiled by Dieu Thuy