Aquatic product exports fetch US$7 billion in 2016

According to the Directorate of Fisheries, in the first half of this year, drought and saltwater intrusion in south central provinces and the Mekong Delta region, as well as the maritime environmental incident in four central provinces have caused severe impacts on aquaculture and seafood catching. However, thanks to the drastic instructions of administrations at all levels, the sector saw improvements in the second half.

In 2016, the total output of aquatic products exceeded 6.7 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 2.5%. It included 3.1 million tonnes from fishing, and 3.6 million tonnes from aquaculture, up 1.7% and 3.3%, respectively. The total farming area reached 1.3 million hectares.

In 2016, the total area of tra farming was 5,050 hectares, producing 1.15 million tonnes, fulfilling the annual target.

Meanwhile, the tilapia breeding area was 25,000 hectares, churning out 200,000 tonnes. The major importers of the product were the US, Spain and Colombia.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the tilapia export value hit US$45 million, a year-on-year increase of 32%.

In 2017, the sector strives to produce 6.85 million tonnes, including 3.05 million tonnes from fishing and 3.8 million tonnes from farming, and earn US$7.3 billion from exports.-