Exports of dried seafood increase 32% in 2009

Dried seafood exports boomed last year despite a sluggish start to the year, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Last year, South Korea, the US, Taiwan, Japan and ASEAN countries were major importers of Vietnamese dried seafood products.

Exports reached 41,600 tonnes, worth US$155.6 million, an increase of 32 per cent in volume and 10.9 per cent in value compared with the previous year, the association said.

In the first half of last year, dried seafood exports were down on the previous year, which the association blamed on the global economic downturn.

However, from July, dried seafood exports increased compared to the same period of the previous year, despite a general decline in the market.

Last year, South Korea, the US, Taiwan, Japan and ASEAN countries were major importers of Vietnamese dried seafood products, accounting for more than 80 per cent of total exports, the association said.

South Korea was the biggest single importer. The country accounted for 11,697 tonnes of dried seafood imports, worth $59.12 million, followed by the US, which saw imports rise by 81.8 per cent in value against the previous year; Japan (56.6 per cent); Taiwan (36.5 per cent) and ASEAN (2.9 per cent).

Meanwhile, the value of dried seafood exports to Russia and Ukraine declined by 76.3 per cent and 65.8 per cent, respectively, in 2009.

The association said total seafood exports were worth $4.25 billion last year, a decline of 5.7 per cent against 2008.

Seafood exports are expected to be worth $4.5 billion this year.

Offsetting profits however are the increased cost of shipping, which is expected to rise by 5 per cent, and higher interest rates.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

Tags: Vietnam Seafood, Vietnam seafood exports