Russia may reopen market to Vietnamese pangasius

Following a Vietnamese delegation to Russia, the seafood industry was encouraged Thursday by news that Russia is considering reopening its market to pangasius, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Pangasius imports from Vietnam were halted in December due to safety and hygiene concerns.

Russian inspectors arrived in Vietnam this week to visit Hung Vuong, Vinh Hoan, Mekong Fish and Ben Tre Seafood Import-Export, among other seafood companies. Export licenses to Russia will be awarded to 10 processing companies in Vietnam from a total of 25 exporters. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) will also conduct surveys of plant operations to assess the quality control systems in place.

VASEP expects the demand for pangasius to increase due to its lower pricepoint. But there are concerns that the demand for the standard 1 to 1.2 kilogram fish will be difficult to meet due to an oversupply last year. Ponds in some farms of the Cuu Long Delta region are half empty.

Russia is one of the main importers of pangasius from Vietnam, with a consumption of USD 200 million (EUR 158 million) worth of product last year.

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