Shrimp exports swell despite virus

Ho Chi Minh City — Despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, shrimp exports by Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta provinces have been strong this year thanks to efforts made by both authorities and businesses.

A shrimp processing plant in Cà Mau. Mekong Delta provinces have increased their shrimp exports substantially in the first five months of this year. VNA/VNS Photo Vũ Sinh

According to the Cà Mau Province Department of Industry and Trade, exports in the first five months are estimated at more than US$423 million, a year-on-year increase of 16 per cent.

Bạc Liêu Province’s revenues were up 9 per cent at $280 million.

Nguyễn Minh Tuấn of Minh Cường Seafood Import-Export JSC, an old operator in the shrimp industry, said his company’s shrimp exports grew sharply this year, and it was scrupulously implementing Covid prevention measures at its factory.

Many shrimp farmers in the delta continue to expand production since they earn good incomes.

Phạm Văn Quắn of Mỹ Long Nam Commune in Trà Vinh Province’s Cầu Ngang District, said: "A few months ago, a kilogramme of black tiger shrimp fetched VNĐ 200,000-220,000 ($8.7-9.6), but now it has decreased to VNĐ170,000 ($7.4), and white-leg shrimp is priced at VNĐ130,000 - 140,000 ($5.7-6.1). But farmers still make a profit."

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, exports were worth $ 3.27 billion in the first five months, up 14 per cent year-on-year.

Shrimp exports accounted for $1.33 billion, an increase of 14 per cent.

The exports went to over 120 markets, with the US, Japan, EU, China, Korea, ASEAN, and Australia being the largest markets, it said.

Demand for shrimp had increased significantly in many markets, while supply from India, Thailand and some other countries had fallen due to Covid, it said.

Taking advantage of this, Vietnamese companies had accelerated shrimp exports, it added.

According to seafood businesses, shrimp exports to the US will continue to boom this year, and they also expect to increase exports to the EU, mainly white-leg shrimps.

Seafood exports to South Korea have shown signs of recovery, and so shipments to the market would increase, they said, adding that exports to countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and Russia would continue to be good thanks to an increase in demand and lack of market barriers.