China emerges as biggest buyer of Vietnam tra fish in 2017

File photo of tra fish processing at a facility in the Mekong Delta. China overtook the European Union and the United States as the largest importer of Vietnamese tra (pangasius) fish last year - PHOTO: TRUNG CHANH

Ho Chi Minh City - China overtook the European Union and the United States as the largest importer of Vietnamese tra (pangasius) fish last year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

VASEP data indicates export revenue from tra fish was estimated at US$1.78 billion last year, a year-on-year rise of 3.9%, reports the agricultural news website Nongnghiep.vn.

Last year saw outbound sales of tra fish to the European Union and the United States falling around 23% and 11% respectively.

The declines in these traditional markets are due to smear media campaigns against the quality of Vietnamese tra fish in Europe, as well as anti-dumping duties, and the catfish inspection program from the U.S. government.

Meanwhile, tra fish shipments to neighboring China increased by a staggering 35% to US$305 million last year. China became the largest buyer of Vietnamese tra fish, accounting for 23% of the total.

VASEP forecast China is likely to maintain this top spot this year. Some market watchers said the demand for tra fish has been on the rise in the neighboring country.

Truong Thi Le Khanh, chairwoman of Vinh Hoan Corporation, Vietnam’s biggest tra fish exporter, said the Chinese market has great potential for Vietnamese tra fish, especially in the restaurant and fast food chain segments in the years to come.

She added Chinese traders also pay special attention to the quality, so if the requirement is fulfilled, sales of tra fish to China will continue expanding in double digits.