Pangasius exports from Vietnam continued the upward momentum from last year, with China now replacing the United States to become the biggest buyer in the first two months, according to a 26 March statement from Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
The Southeast Asian nation exported pangasius worth USD 309.8 million (EUR 275 million) over January-February, jumping 17 percent year-on-year. The export value gained from China (including Hong Kong) was USD 59.8 million (EUR 53.1 million), up 7.1 percent from 2018. The exports to the U.S. were worth USD 52.9 million (EUR 46.9 million) in the period, up 25.7 percent year-on year.
The value of exports to the European Union also rose 56 percent to USD 43.5 million (EUR 38.6 million) in the two months with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium being key destinations in the bloc.
If the export growth in key markets comprising China, the U.S. and E.U. is maintained, Vietnam is likely to hit the target of USD 2.3 billion (EUR 2.04 billion) of export value this year, said VASEP.
Vietnam’s largest pangasius exporter, Vinh Hoan, said on 25 March its export value between January and February was USD 44.3 million (EUR 39.3 million), rising 17.4 percent year-on year.
The company’s export value in February stood at USD 18 million (EUR 16 million), up 6 percent from a year earlier.
Vietnam’s Lunar New Year holiday, which comprises nine days in early February, resulted in 8 percent less exports of pangasius fillet, which is similar to impact from previous years, Vinh Hoan said. The company’s pangasius fillet prices surged 8 percent, while sales of fish oil and fishmeal increased 130 percent and collagen and gelatin 195 percent in the period.
Vinh Hoan was the country's top pangasius exporter in the first two months, followed by Navico, I.D.I, Bien Dong, and Godaco, according to Vinh Hoan.
