The Vietnam Government Portal quoted the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) as setting a target of $9.5 billion for aquatic exports in 2024, up 3 per cent against last year, including $4 billion from shrimp and $1.9 billion from Tra fish.

According to a forecast from VASEP, aquatic exports will bounce back only slightly in the first half of the year compared to the same period of 2023 due to unstable market demand and global economic difficulties.

The country’s aquatic export turnover totaled $9.2 billion in 2023, equivalent to 92 per cent of the goal.

The shrimp sector was the largest contributor, with about $3.45 billion, followed by Tra fish ($1.9 billion), tuna ($900 million), and mollusks ($800 million).

The country’s total fishery output in 2023 was estimated at 9.2 million tons, up 2 per cent compared to 2022.