Pangasius (tra) catfish exports by Vietnam declined last year for the first time since 2009, off 3.4% to $1.74 billion, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
Shipments to the European Union (EU) and the US made up 47.5% of the total fish exports in 2011 but fell to 45 per cent in 2012. EU imports of tra fish hit were $425.8 million, taking a 19.1% hit year-on-year. The US bought $358.8 million worth of Vietnamese catfish products, up 8.2% from 2011. But that market slumped towards the end of the year.
In addition, Vietnams pangasius industry exported more fish to other markets: among the 10 leading pangasius importers, China and Egypt recorded growth of two digits last year, with fish sales to China rising by 31.5 per cent to USD 72.9 million. Earnings from fish shipments to Egypt grew by 29.1 per cent to USD 48.7 million. Tra exports to Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Australia dropped slightly in value.
Vietnams pangasius industry is expecting to struggle with many challenges in 2013 due to its ongoing lack of capital for fish farming and processing activities, and shy demand from its main markets due to the economic downturn especially in Europe. In the US, Vietnamese catfish is up against many other fish products, including other white fish species from other supplying countries.
