Vietnams seafood exports to EU see positive changes

Vietnam's tuna exports to the EU recovered strongly in the first month of 2018.

Vietnam’s seafood exports to the market of the European Union (EU) reported strong developments in the first month of 2018, with most seafood items having posted growth in export revenue after a gloomy period resulting from the “yellow card” incident concerning illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the level of recovery in tuna exports to the EU in January led Vietnam’s total tuna export revenue to reach approximately US$41 million, an annual increase of nearly 21% compared to the modest growth of just 1% in December 2017.

The exports of octopus and squid also recovered strongly last month, contributing to year-on-year growth of 5% in the total octopus and squid export turnover. The country’s exports of sea fish grew by 24% against the same period of 2017, hitting US$106 million, while the exports of crab and other crustaceans witnessed a near 7% increase to reach over US$8 million.

Currently, the Government in cooperation with ministries, localities, and enterprises, are implementing solutions to regain the “green card” for Vietnamese seafood in the EU market. Most recently, Vietnamese seafood enterprises have simultaneously hung the “Commitment against IUU fishing” signboard at the gates of their companies or on the doors of processing plants.

The move is one of the firm actions that reflect the determination of Vietnamese businesses in combating IUU fishing and protecting the prestige of exported seafood products, for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s fishing industry.