Despite difficulties in seafood exports to other markets, seafood export turnover to the African market recorded high growth in 2012, reaching USD 150 million, an increase of 38 percent compared to 2011.
In the first three months of 2013, seafood export turnover stood at USD 30.3 million, an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period last year.
The Department of African, West Asia, South Asia Market of the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that almost African countries did not grow the aquaculture sector. Therefore, they needed to import seafood to meet domestic demands. Moreover, African people are also tending to use seafood instead of meat at present. These factors have opened up opportunities for Vietnam businesses to promote seafood exports and can study the possibility of seafood feeding in some African countries in order to serve local demands and export to the neighboring countries. Export turnover of Basa fish, Tra fish and shrimp to African countries has been continuously increasing in recent years. However, some Vietnamese businesses said that they faced difficulties in the exporting process to the African market. The first obstacle is due to far geographical distance. The direct flights to a number of African countries have not yet been opened. If shipped seafood by sea, it takes up to 40 days. Therefore, the export of fresh seafood currently has faced difficulties.
