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The US Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) will inspect Vietnamese tra fish imports in early March, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). The Vietnamese government welcomes the FSIS’s involvement as it ensures that the tra fish from Vietnam meets the strictest safety and quality standards. The approval of the US agency will provide additional proof of excellence for Vietnamese tra fish to enter other markets. Opportunity to Bring Quality of Tra Fish to Higher Standards The MARD’s deputy minister, Phùng Đức Tiến, stated that tra fish met all the US agency’s requirements in production, transport, and processing during its inspections two years ago. Vietnamese businesses consider the upcoming inspections in March as an opportunity to bring the quality of tra fish to higher standards and to enter the US market with zero tariffs. Preparation for Inspections In preparation for the inspections, the National Agro Forestry Fisheries Quality Assurance Department has conducted its own inspections of tra fish farms in the Mekong Delta. Inspectors monitored the quality of water coming in and out of the farms, breeding areas in 10 cities and provinces in the delta, as well as the sanitary protocols for harvest, transport, storage, and processing of tra fish. Vietnamese Firms Make Significant Investments in Quality and Environment In recent years, Vietnamese firms have made significant investments in improving the environment and technologies to ensure that tra fish surpasses the technical barriers of the EU, the US, and Japan. Their efforts seem to have paid off as Vietnamese tra fish has steadily built a reputation for quality in international markets. Expansion of Vietnamese Firms into International Markets According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, the US Department of Commerce has allowed two additional Vietnamese firms – NTSF Fisheries JSC and CASEAMEX – to export tra fish to the US, bringing the total number of Vietnamese firms under the zero tariffs policy to four. Vietnamese firms have been on the lookout for other international markets while continuing to improve the quality and safety of their tra fish.

Introduction Việt Nam’s seafood exports have been severely impacted by the pandemic, resulting in reduced exports in the coming months. The Việt Nam Association Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has stated that the seafood processing and exporting industries will continue to face challenges relating to export orders, transportation, and payments. This article will explore the reasons behind the decline in seafood exports and the forecast for the coming months. Reasons for Reduced Seafood Exports The pandemic has negatively impacted the seafood export industry, and the situation is likely to persist in the coming months. Major export markets such as the EU, US, and China are still grappling with the pandemic, which has led to a decrease in demand for seafood products. The reduced demand has resulted in a decrease in export orders, which has affected the transportation and payment of seafood products. These factors have collectively led to a decline in seafood exports in the first four months of this year. Current State of Seafood Exports According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Việt Nam’s seafood export value in the first four months of this year fell by 10 per cent year-on-year to US$2.18 billion. Việt Nam’s two major export seafood products, tra fish and shrimp, suffered the most significant decline, with about 32 per cent to $420 million and 12 per cent to $748 million, respectively. Japan, the US, EU, and mainland China were the major export markets for Vietnamese export seafood products, making up almost 58 per cent of the total export value. Forecast for Seafood Exports VASEP has forecasted that seafood exports in the second quarter would decrease slightly by 5 per cent year-on-year to $2 billion. However, the association expects positive growth in the third and fourth quarters of this year. The department also reported that Việt Nam’s total seafood production reached nearly 2.2 million tonnes in the first four months, up 0.4 per cent compared to the same period last year, including one million tonnes from aquaculture. Conclusion The pandemic has adversely impacted the seafood export industry in Việt Nam. The reduced demand and export orders have led to a decrease in transportation and payment of seafood products. Major export markets such as the EU, US, and China are still strongly affected by the pandemic, which has resulted in a decline in seafood exports in the first four months of this year. However, VASEP has forecasted that seafood exports will see positive growth in the third and fourth quarters of this year. The keyword for this content is “seafood exports.”

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced a reduction in anti-dumping duties on tra fish (pangasius) products from Vietnam. The Trade Remedies Authorities of Vietnam under the Ministry of Trade and Industry confirmed that the final anti-dumping taxes on Vietnamese products have been set at US$0.15 per kilogramme, lower than the final results for the previous review period. This article discusses the impact of the DOC’s decision on Vietnamese exporters and the challenges facing the tra fish industry in Vietnam. Anti-dumping Tariffs on Vietnamese Tra Fish Lowered The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has lowered anti-dumping duties on tra fish (pangasius) products from Vietnam. The final anti-dumping taxes on Vietnamese products have been set at US$0.15 per kilogramme, equivalent to 3.8 per cent of the export price. This is a significant reduction from the final results of the previous review period, which saw anti-dumping tariffs set at $1.37 per kilogramme. Vietnamese exporters who were not examined by the DOC will be subject to a tariff of $2.39 per kilogramme, the same as the rate for the previous review period. However, big Vietnamese exporters such as Vĩnh Hoàn JSC and Biển Đông Seafood Company will continue to enjoy a zero tariff rate. Impact of the Decision on Vietnamese Exporters The DOC’s decision to lower anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese tra fish products is a positive development for the industry. Vietnamese tra fish exporters have faced export restrictions imposed by numerous nations in recent years. However, they managed to ship over $2 billion worth of products in 2018 and 2019. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has advised local exporters to continue cooperating with the DOC and providing accurate information to achieve positive final results. The ministry will continue to coordinate with other ministries, sectors, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), and related export companies to take necessary actions to protect the rights and interests of domestic tra fish businesses. Challenges Facing the Tra Fish Industry in Vietnam The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Vietnam’s tra fish exports to many markets. In the first three months of 2021, the export value fell 29.3 per cent year-on-year to $334 million. However, positive signs returned in March from China and the US. During the first quarter, tra fish exports to China reached $63.2 million, accounting for 18.9 per cent of export value of this goods and passing the US market to become the largest market for Vietnamese tra fish. Export value was still 36.4 per cent down compared to the same period last year. Export value to the EU was nearly $36.5 million in Q1, down 36.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Vietnam saw a strong drop in tra fish export value to other major markets, such as ASEAN, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Australia. Despite the challenges, tra fish exporters in Vietnam remain optimistic about the industry’s future. The export value is expected to recover in the second quarter with growth of 30-40 per cent year-on-year, according to the association.

According to Duong Nghia Quoc, chairman of the Vietnam Pangasius Association, the domestic tra fish industry is expected to have a brighter year in 2023. The first quarter of this year saw a rise in exports, and there are good signals for the recovery of pangasius exports to the US market with lower anti-dumping duties. Positive Signs for Export Growth The Food Safety and Inspection Service under the United States Department of Agriculture officially recognized Vietnam’s Pangasius Food Safety Control System in November 2019. China, another key export market, is expected to increase demand for Vietnamese tra fish this year and beyond. Despite the difficulties caused by the coronavirus epidemic, the potential for boosting exports of tra fish to China in the long term is still significant. Competition and the Need for Cooperation Local businesses need to enhance trade promotion, expand markets, and apply technology to improve quality to compete globally. China and other countries, such as India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, have also raised pangasius. The total output of these countries is likely to reach the same level as Vietnam. To tackle this competition, local businesses need to cooperate to develop production chains and avoid competition that would reduce prices. Boosting Domestic Consumption Vietnam’s tra fish industry has a big chance to promote the consumption of pangasius in the domestic market. The domestic market was ignored in the past, but now with a population of 100 million, there is great potential to consume 200,000 tonnes of tra fish every year if each person eats two kilos of tra fish per year. To develop the domestic market, the pangasius industry will need a strong distribution channel. The State should have incentives for local businesses to increase domestic tra fish consumption, and businesses must also boost trade promotion to bring more tra fish products to local customers. Conclusion In 2019, Vietnam gained US$2 billion from tra fish exports, down 11.7% compared to 2018 due to difficulties in exports to traditional markets, like the US, and the plunge in export prices. To maintain the growth of the tra fish industry, local businesses must continue to improve quality, expand markets, and cooperate to develop production chains. They must also promote the consumption of pangasius in the domestic market and increase domestic tra fish consumption.

Vietnam’s fisheries sector has been an important contributor to the country’s economy, with a total output of 8.15 million tonnes in 2019, and an estimated export turnover of $8.6 billion. Despite the current challenges, the sector aims to continue its sustainable growth in 2020. Certification for Aquaculture Products The Director of the Directorate of Fisheries, Trần Đình Luân, stated that in 2020, the focus will be on granting certification to brackish shrimp farms (tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp), tra fish farms, and aquaculture in cages. The industry will also develop key aquatic products, such as tiger shrimp, white-leg shrimp, and tra fish, along with other high-value aquatic products to increase trade value and sustainable development. Targets for 2020 The Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has set targets to achieve a total fisheries output of approximately 8.2 million tonnes in 2020, which is a 0.6% increase year on year. The tra fish output is expected to remain the same at 1.42 million tonnes as in 2019, while the shrimp output is expected to increase by 3.7% to 850,000 tonnes. The sector also aims to gross about US$10 billion from exporting aquatic products, a year-on-year increase of 6.3%. To achieve this goal, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phùng Đức Tiến stressed that the fisheries sector needs to address some of its shortcomings, such as improving fishing port infrastructure, processing facilities, and logistics services. Challenges for the Industry The industry faces a significant challenge in removing the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Despite these challenges, the domestic fisheries sector has worked out measures to make use of export opportunities. Market Developments and Shrimp Production From early March to September, the prices of brackish shrimp declined due to competitive materials from India and Ecuador and the inventory output from 2018. China’s stricter control of quality and traceability at the border also contributed to the price decrease. However, the directorate has promptly evaluated market developments to orient production and promote supply chains to reduce risks for exported shrimp products. As a result, the breeding area for brackish shrimp in 2019 was estimated at 720,000 hectares, with an output of 750,000 tonnes. The sector will continue to evaluate market developments to ensure its shrimp production remains competitive. Tra Fish Products The directorate has directed localities to carry out measures to maintain growth in tra fish production, and coordinated with relevant agencies to increase inspections on processing and export conditions. The total tra fish farming area in 2019 is estimated to reach 6,600 hectares, up 22.2% against the same period last year. The output is expected to reach 1.42 million tonnes, and the export turnover is hoped to stand at $1.9 billion. Conclusion The Vietnamese fisheries sector is optimistic about its growth prospects in 2020. While it faces some challenges in removing the EC’s “yellow card” warning against IUU fishing, the sector has taken measures to improve the quality and competitiveness of its products. With a focus on certifying aquaculture products, developing key aquatic products, and improving infrastructure, the sector aims to achieve its targets for 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on seafood companies in Vietnam, according to a survey by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). The seafood companies are experiencing declines in orders of 35-50%, mostly due to cancellations, delays, or shortages of raw materials since the beginning of March. COVID-19 Impact on Seafood Exporters The pandemic is spreading rapidly, and many companies feel that the impact of COVID-19 would become more serious. The exports of tra fish to China stalled since January, and exports to the European Union (EU) markets were facing difficulties in March as the bloc closed its external borders. In mid-March, exports to the Middle East, Asia, and South Africa also started to struggle. As people stay at home to prevent the spread of the pandemic, demand is dropping. The seafood companies are suffering shortages of raw materials, and both producers and exporters are facing high inventories. Seafood Exports Struggle The statistics from the General Department of Customs show that seafood exports totaled more than US$990 million in the first two months of 2020, a drop of 11% against the same period in 2019. Exports to China fell by 44%, EU by 20%, ASEAN markets by 4%, and the Republic of Korea by 9%. Exports of shrimp, the country’s largest export seafood, saw a slight increase of 2.6% to $383 million. It was mainly due to the increase of 16% in exports to Japan while exports to China fell by 37% and to the EU by 15%. Tra fish exports are expected to suffer the most, with a drop of at least 20% in the first quarter of this year, as China was the largest market for Vietnam’s tra fish, accounting for 35%. Tra fish exports to China dropped by 52% in the first two months, and to the EU by 40%. Improving Tra Fish Quality to Promote Exports VASEP urged producers to focus on improving the quality of tra fish to promote exports to the US from next year. Several tra fish companies expect exports to China to recover from next month and return to normal from June.

Vietnamese shrimp exports to the Republic of Korea (RoK) have been on a positive growth trajectory in recent years, making the country the fifth-largest importer of Vietnamese shrimp products, accounting for 10.7% of the country’s total shrimp export value. However, there is still room for improvement to fully utilize the benefits of the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA). Republic of Korea: A Promising Market for Vietnamese Shrimp Exporters VKFTA provides Vietnam with the opportunity to export up to 15,000 tonnes of shrimp to RoK without import tax. However, Vietnam only ships around 2,500 tonnes, indicating a missed opportunity. To increase shrimp exports to RoK, shrimp exporters need to focus on improving quality, remain informed of the RoK’s procedures and requirements, and overcome technical barriers. Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Opportunities for Shrimp Exporters Vietnam has been the leading shrimp supplier to RoK in recent years, accounting for 52% of the country’s total imports. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed to sustain and increase the growth of the sector. Improving Quality: Key to Tapping into RoK Shrimp Market One of the challenges is the strict regulations in RoK regarding the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. The Korean government is strict on antibiotic residues and limits its presence to 0.01ppm. Shrimp exported to RoK must comply with this regulation to avoid rejection at the port. Therefore, Vietnamese shrimp exporters need to pay close attention to the use of antibiotics in aquaculture and ensure compliance with RoK’s standards. Positive Growth in Shrimp Export to RoK in 2020 Another challenge is the lack of awareness about the RoK market among Vietnamese shrimp exporters. Vietnamese shrimp exporters must conduct market research and be aware of the RoK’s regulations, requirements, and consumer preferences. This will enable them to adjust the quality and packaging of their products to suit RoK consumers. Vietnam: Leading Shrimp Supplier to Republic of Korea The VKFTA presents a great opportunity for Vietnamese shrimp exporters to expand their market share in RoK. To achieve this, they need to overcome the challenges of meeting RoK’s strict regulations and market requirements, and focus on improving the quality of their products. By doing so, they can increase exports and contribute to the growth of the sector.

As of September, fishermen in Khánh Hoà province caught over 82,100 tons of marine species, up 1.23% from last year. This increase is due to favorable weather and supportive policies. The province’s agriculture sector is implementing the Fishery Law 2017 and other measures to remove the EU’s warnings against IUU fishing. Inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have praised the efforts of provincial authorities in this fight.

An agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, An Viet Group JSC, and Nam Viet Company brought the first pangasius crates produced according to EU standards to Hanoi capital for distribution to northern provinces. The aim is to make high-quality pangasius available to domestic customers, who have been missing out on the export destined products. This article highlights the details of the event and the survey conducted by An Viet Group and Nam Viet Company in their efforts to cater to the northern consumers’ taste. An Overview of the Event The event was launched to make high-quality pangasius available in the domestic market, especially in the north. An Viet Group aims to sell a container of 25 tons of pangasius a week and increase the number when demand increases and the consumption system is set up. The survey conducted by An Viet Group and Nam Viet Company showed that the production and organization of Nam Viet Company is modern and strict. Nam Viet Company is an exporter of pangasius that meets the EU and US’s multiple requirements. Efforts to Meet Consumers’ Taste The processors of pangasius have not paid attention to the domestic market, especially the north, and have not produced any pangasius products that suit the taste and liking of local consumers. Therefore, Nam Viet Company was advised to adjust pangasius products to the northern consumers’ taste, such as reducing sweet and bitter taste and adding spices. An Viet consulted its partner to diversify products to suit consumers of all ages. As per the survey, the first crates of pangasius consumed in the north were highly evaluated by customers and retailers. Plans for Future Market Expansion The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with associations, sectors, and companies to penetrate further into pangasius markets, especially in Russia. Sales contracts with Russian partners have been signed for exporting around 300 thousand tons per year from 2021. In the next few months, more pangasius processing companies will be encouraged to connect with distributors in the north to expand the market. Pangasius – A Nutritious and Healthy Food Assistant Professor and Doctor Lê Bạch Mai, former Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, said that pangasius is a nutritious fish and healthy and energetic food. Every 100g of pangasius fillet provides around 83 kcal and consists of 17% of protein and omega 3 and omega 6.