Vietnam: Fish and fishery exports to US, EU continue to lag

Fish and fishery exports to the US and EU markets have continued to lag last year’s figures during the five months leading up to June 2017, reports the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

Overall fish and fishery exports to the US market fell 12.7% year-on-year for the five months January-May reaching only US$461 million while consignments to the EU fared better, down just .7% at US$448 million.

The major stumbling block is with exports of farm raised catfish, which have come under increased scrutiny over safety issues and concern over the lack of adequate inspections by consumers in both the US and EU markets, says the Association.

However, on the brighter side, the Association is attempting to divert attention away from the problem by noting that overall fish and fishery exports to Japan, another key market, have jumped 29.3% year-on-year to US$468 million.