Australia tightens inspections on shrimp imports from Vietnam

Shrimp processing at a factory in Vietnam. Australia will inspect uncooked shrimp imports from Vietnam for white spot and yellow head diseases - PHOTO: TL

HCMC – Australia will inspect uncooked shrimp imports from Vietnam for white spot and yellow head diseases, according to a report by the Australian Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources. Australia will lift the import ban on unprocessed shrimp imports from countries including Vietnam from July 6. However, uncooked shrimp products will be checked to ensure that all shipments are safe from the two diseases.

Other seafood products must also meet strict requirements when they are exported to Australia.

In the first quarter of 2017, Australia imported nearly 6,000 tons of shrimp worth US$59 million, down over 8% in volume but up 1% in value.

Vietnam was the biggest shrimp exporter to Australia in January-March, with export volume reaching more than 1,900 tons worth nearly US$20 million, down 19% in volume but up 3.5% in value.