Mr. Vo Hung Dung, director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Can Tho City, said that China is one of the new markets. Export to this market accounted for 6.4 percent in 2014 and hiked to 10.3 percent in 2015, 17.8 percent in 2016 and 20.5 percent in the first half this year. It is forecast to outstrip the US to become the leading import market of Vietnamese pangasius fish. Export to China has been advantageous as the country has opened door for the official import of Vietnamese pangasius fish besides unofficial cross border trade. Experts said that businesses should have positive solutions to harmonize the two export channels to prevent unhealthy competition from affecting each other, said chairman of Vietnam Pangasius Fish Association Duong Nghia Quoc. For a long time, Vietnam has mainly exported pangasius fillet products while China has imported the whole fish to process into many dishes. Although export to the US and EU has faced many … [Read more...]

Vietnam will conduct food safety control system which is equivalent to that of the US (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) — Vietnam’s tra fish exports to the United States have remained stable after it imposed a demand that exporting countries demonstrate their food safety control system is equivalent to that of the US. An announcement to this effect by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) on August 17 has belied fears and reports that exports of the fish could be rejected or cancelled in the coming time. Reports of rejection or cancellation of Vietnamese tra fish exports “has no basis,” VASEP said in a note. It said that tra fish exports to the US had declined in the first quarter due to a shortage of raw materials, but recovered in the second quarter with an 8.4 percent increase, thanks to rising … [Read more...]

Viet Nam will conduct food safety control system which is equivalent to that of the US. — Photo vietstock.com Exports of tra fish to the United States have remained stable after it imposed a demand that exporting countries demonstrate that their food safety control system is equivalent to that of the US. An announcement to this effect by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) on Thursday has belied fears and reports that exports of the fish could be rejected or cancelled in the coming time. Reports of rejection or cancellation of Vietnamese tra fish exports “has no basis,” VASEP said in a note. It said that tra fish exports to the US had declined in the first quarter due to a shortage of raw materials, but recovered in the second quarter with an 8.4 per cent increase, thanks to rising demand and increase in supply of raw material. VASEP General Secretary … [Read more...]

Viet Nam will tighten its control on the quality and safety of Siluriformes fish (mainly tra and basa) before shipping it to the US. — Photo ddtm.vn The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has issued a safety control programme designed for Siluriformes fish (mainly tra and basa) and related products exported to the US market as part of efforts to adapt to new changes in the market. The programme, starting from September 1, 2017, will apply strict supervision on all stages of fish farming, processing and exporting. Qualified products must satisfy 85 criteria of the US regarding veterinary medicine, 106 criteria on pesticides, 4 on dyeing chemicals, 17 on metals and 8 in biochemistry. In case a fish batch gets warnings from the US authorised agency, the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) will request the processor to trace origin of the batch, while investigating … [Read more...]

Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has issued a safety control programme designed for Siluriformes fish (mainly tra and basa) and related products exported to the US market as part of efforts to adapt to new changes in the market. The programme, starting from September 1, 2017, will apply strict supervision on all stages of fish farming, processing and exporting. Qualified products must satisfy 85 criteria of the US regarding veterinary medicine, 106 criteria on pesticides, 4 on dyeing chemicals, 17 on metals and 8 in biochemistry. In case a fish batch gets warnings from the US authorized agency, the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) will request the processor to trace origin of the batch, while investigating reasons why the batch fails to meet food safety … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has issued a safety control programme designed for Siluriformes fish (mainly tra and basa) and related products exported to the US market as part of efforts to adapt to new changes in the market. This programme which will come into effect on September 1, 2017, will apply strict supervision on all stages of fish farming, processing and exporting. Qualified products must satisfy 85 criteria of the US regarding veterinary medicine, 106 criteria on pesticides, 4 on dyeing chemicals, 17 on metals and 8 in biochemistry. In case a fish batch gets warnings from the US authorised agency, the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) will request the processor to trace the origin of the batch, while investigating reasons why the batch fails to meet food safety requirements. The department will also halt the facility’s Siluriformes fish exports to the US, while handling its … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has issued a safety control programme designed for Siluriformes fish (mainly tra and basa) and related products exported to the US market as part of efforts to adapt to new changes in the market. This programme which will come into effect on September 1, 2017, will apply strict supervision on all stages of fish farming, processing and exporting. Qualified products must satisfy 85 criteria of the US regarding veterinary medicine, 106 criteria on pesticides, 4 on dyeing chemicals, 17 on metals and 8 in biochemistry. In case a fish batch gets warnings from the US authorised agency, the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) will request the processor to trace the origin of the batch, while investigating reasons why the batch fails to meet food safety requirements. The department will also halt the facility’s Siluriformes fish exports to the US, while handling its … [Read more...]

NDO – Information from the Vietnam Competition Authority, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, revealed that the US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced its decision to adjust the antidumping duty on Vietnamese shrimp exported to the country, between February 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014, from 1.16% to 1.42%. The decision was made following changes in dumping calculations, although on September 7, 2015, the DOC publicised the results of its ninth administrative review (POR9) on frozen shrimp imported from Vietnam. The DOC has used a country with a similarly sized economy in order to set the level of anti-dumping duty on Vietnamese shrimp. In previous years, the department had used rates from Bangladesh to determine the duty. However, this year a group of US vessel owners and processors complained, prompting the department to replace Bangladesh with India. This decision means that the selected importers are subjected to a … [Read more...]

Viet Nam exports tuna to 97 countries and territories around the world. — Photo tuoitre.vn Viet Nam’s tuna export turnover has risen 21 per cent year-on-year to hit US$271 million in the first half of 2017. Sharing export details, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said that tuna fillet brought in the most revenue, accounting for around 48 per cent of total tuna exports, followed by canned tuna (30 per cent) and other processed tuna (15 per cent). The country exports tuna to 97 countries and territories, with the United States, the European Union (EU), Israel, Japan, Canada, China, Mexico and the ASEAN being its key markets. Collectively, these countries accounted for 88 per cent of Viet Nam’s total tuna export value in the first six months of this year. Notably, tuna shipments to Mexico rose 125 per cent, with the country overtaking Canada and China to become … [Read more...]

Hanoi, August 4 (VNA) – Vietnam’s tuna export turnover rose 21 percent year-on-year to hit 271 million USD in the first half of the year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).  Tuna fillet was the key earner, accounting for more than 48 percent of total tuna exports, followed by canned tuna (30 percent) and other processed tuna (15 percent).  Vietnam exports tuna to 97 countries and territories across the globe, with the US, the EU, Israel, ASEAN, Japan, Canada, China and Mexico the major markets. Those countries accounted for 88 percent of total tuna export value in the first six months.  Notably, tuna shipments to Mexico rose 125 percent, with the country surpassing Canada and China to become Vietnam’s sixth largest tuna importer.  Despite the impressive growth, tuna exports are encountering difficulties in raw … [Read more...]

Vietnam’s tuna export turnover rose 21 percent year-on-year to hit 271 million USD in the first half of the year. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s tuna export turnover rose 21 percent year-on-year to hit 271 million USD in the first half of the year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). Tuna fillet was the key earner, accounting for more than 48 percent of total tuna exports, followed by canned tuna (30 percent) and other processed tuna (15 percent). Vietnam exports tuna to 97 countries and territories across the globe, with the US, the EU, Israel, ASEAN, Japan, Canada, China and Mexico the major markets. Those countries accounted for 88 percent of total tuna export value in the first six months. Notably, tuna shipments to Mexico rose 125 percent, with the country surpassing Canada and China to become … [Read more...]

Vietnamese catfish exporters are concerned that the door for their products to enter the U.S. will be narrowed after a new inspection rule takes effect next month. From August 2, all Vietnamese catfish shipments to the U.S. must be transferred to official import inspection establishments specified by the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for re-inspection before they can be forwarded to importers and sold to American end-consumers. The requirement is part of a series of new regulations stipulated by the U.S. farm bill, or the Agricultural Act of 2014, that was signed into law on February 7, 2014. One of the biggest changes in the bill is that Vietnamese seafood entering the U.S. will be required to follow regulations set forth by the FSIS under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, rather than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as was previously the case. The food safety standard regulated by the FSIS … [Read more...]

Shrimp exports post low growth Cholimex to invest in high-tech shrimp farming in HCMC By Sao Mai and Ngoc Hung - The Saigon Times Daily HCMC – As of March 15, shrimp exports posted a modest year-on-year growth rate of 4.5%, much lower than the growth rates of other key seafood items, according to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). VASEP said tuna and tra fish exports surged by 23.1% and 15.2% year-on-year respectively in January- March. Meanwhile, shrimp exports as the key item in Vietnam’s fisheries lagged behind, or even contracted 2.4% in the first half of March. VASEP attributed the shrimp export slowdown to a drop in consumption demand for shrimp in big markets. Shrimp exports to EU dropped by 21%, while exports to Canada went down 6.1% and the U.S. fell 1%. Given global economic uncertainty, low purchasing power in major markets namely the EU and the U.S. has dragged down export prices. As of end-March, the price of white-legged shrimp … [Read more...]

Seafood service firms dominate Vietfish 2014 Ngoc Hung By Ngoc Hung - The Saigon Times Daily HCMC – The number of firms providing services and equipment for the seafood sector make up 65% of 173 corporate exhibitors at the ongoing Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition 2014 (Vietfish 2014) in HCMC. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the organizer of Vietfish 2014, said there are more seafood service providers than in previous years. Seafood processors and exporters are other exhibitors at the event, which opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in District 7 on August 6. The 16th exhibition is attended by many big local and foreign companies, including from Japan, the United States, Belgium, China and South Korea. Truong Dinh Hoe, general secretary of VASEP, said Vietfish 2014 showcases various seafood products and services as well as equipment and technology for cold storage of seafood. Pham Anh Tuan, deputy head of … [Read more...]

Vietnam is due to officially join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on November 7. However, what is next after that? In fact, all information collected from bilateral and multi-lateral negotiations so far is too common to be of much help to Vietnamese enterprises in building their own business strategies. If Vietnamese management agencies and enterprises only rely on basic WTO rules, they will have to make a drastic change in their operations and competitive activities, which requires not only their concerted efforts but also great support from international organisations. Currently, there are 20 donors with some 50 projects which provide different forms of trade support for Vietnam in its WTO accession process. The team leader of the Multilateral Trade Assistance Project, Dr Peter Naray, says the first challenge for Vietnam in its post WTO accession period is that the country will have to fully implement its commitments. Some areas which are considered to be difficult for Vietnam to … [Read more...]

Dung made the statement at a press briefing in Hanoi on December 7. He asked the WWF to reconsider its member organisations’ decision and publicise the criteria for placing Tra fish on the Red List, as well as correcting the false information supplied to European consumers. According to Intrafish, WWF member organisations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Denmark have moved a number of Vietnam’s Tra fish products from the Orange List (products can be considered for use) to the Red List (products should not be used) in their 2010-2011 consumer guidance manual for the six EU countries. This is based on a recent survey conducted by an independent consultancy company hired by the WWF members in these countries to analyse over 100 aquatic species from all over the world under the newly-amended WWF criteria on sustainable development. The VASEP is worried that the incorrect assessment, which lacks scientific evidence, by some WWF member organizations will … [Read more...]

The WWF has come up with recommendations on fields of its concern which have won the applause of the international community for years. However, the organisation’s decision to place Vietnam’s Tra fish on the Red List of its 2010 seafood consumption report, in which consumers in the world were advised to choose other seafood products instead of Vietnam’s Tra fish, was questionable. Deputy Director of the Directorate of Fisheries Pham Anh Tuan said, “The WWF’s information is insufficient as the fund used one sided and incorrect standards and scientific bases. This would cause many difficulties for Vietnam’s tra raising industry and would adversely affect global consumer trends,” Tra fish products are known as a special food of the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam. Being favored by nature, Vietnamese farmers have developed the Tra fish raising and processing industry for highly valued products. It has been expanded from a small-scale industry to a … [Read more...]

This was announced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) at a meeting in Hanoi on May 26. A hike in price and volume The country’s total export revenue in May was estimated to reach US$7.5 billion, an increase of 18.8 percent over the same month of last year. Exports of agricultural products including seafood, coffee and rice grew both in value and quantity. Last year the State had to keep coffee in stock because of price fluctuations. But thanks to the close cooperation between the State and businesses the prices of coffee have continued to go up since early this year, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Thanh Bien. In the mean time, he added, the total export value of tea, cashew nuts and peppers has increased by 50 percent over last year. Export earnings from seafood, garment and textiles and footwear to the European Union have also increased, while crude oil exports to the Oceania market have dropped remarkably. With nearly 70 percent of the total … [Read more...]

The four-day event involves more than 2,500 companies from 66 nations and territories and is expected to attract 75,000 visitors. Around 14 Vietnamese businesses will display a range of products including seafood and farm produce, processed rice food, specialty Phu Quoc fish sauce, and different varieties of confectionery and beverages. Trade Promotion Centre for Agriculture Director Dao Van Ho said enabling Vietnamese businesses to participate in the event aimsto help them develop relations with Japanese partners and importers, negotiate and potenitally sign export contracts, and advertise Vietnam’s farm produce, seafood, and culinary culture. The event is part activities honouring 40th years of the two countries’ diplomatic ties. Maple Foods Limited Japanese Director Tetsuji Totsune said his company has established a history of cooperation with the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) over the past 25 years. He expressed his desire to import … [Read more...]

In its recent annual administrative review, the US department chose Indonesia as a benchmark country to calculate anti-dumping margins on Vietnam’s frozen fish fillet exports instead of Bangladesh which is used for the calculations seven times previously. Accordingly, the new tax rates were adjusted to increase more than 10 times, from just several cents per kilo to several dollars per kilo. The VASEP expressed its indignation over the DOC’s sudden benchmark country replacement and claimed the US decision was unreasonable. According to the VASEP, the DOC relied on the Indonesian government’s study of its Tra fish prices based on information from just several localities of the country, resulting wider margins. In the previous seven administrative reviews, Indonesia was not chosen as a model for tax calculations as it had no sufficient pricing and financial data. In fact, Indonesia imports frozen Tra fillets, mainly from Vietnam, and it does not export Tra fish … [Read more...]