Vietnam exported shrimp worth USD 3.73 billion (EUR 3.1 billion) last year as exporters in the country successfully boosted sales despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) on 27 January.
The export value surged 11 percent compared to 2019 as sales to some major markets saw significant growth last year. The United States saw significant growth, with exports up 33 percent year-on-year. The United Kingdom, as well, saw strong increases, and was up 20.1 percent year-on year. Smaller gains were made to the European Union, which rose 6.1 percent from 2019; and South Korea, which saw a 3.3 percent increase.
A total of 508 Vietnamese shrimp companies participated in export activities to 135 markets last year.
Fimex Chairman Ho Quoc Luc said in a statement on 26 January the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains in many affected countries such as India, Indonesia, and Ecuador, creating opportunities for exporters from Vietnam to increase sales to various markets.
Vietnam is one of a few countries in the world which recorded positive economic growth last year as it has successfully contained the outbreak of the coronavirus. As of 29 January, the country had 35 deaths and most of the total 1,651 infected people have been treated. There are some new outbreaks in the country but the government has quickly applied strict measures in an effort to contain the clusters in the next 10 days.
According to Luc, the shrimp sector has benefited from the government’s response to the pandemic. In addition, it also received support from the government with regard to water and electricity supply issues.
Vietnam produced 950,000 metric tons (MT) of shrimp in 2020, including 267,700 MT of black tiger shrimp, 632,300 MT of vannamei and 50,000 MT of other shrimp. Last year's production total was split between 270,000 MT of black tiger shrimp and 480,000 MT of vannamei.
The country had an estimated 725,900 hectares of shrimp farms last year, including 616,807 hectares for black tiger shrimp and 109,093 hectares for vannamei, according to data from VASEP.
Photo courtesy of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers
