(HQ Online) - Currently, lobster consumption is mainly exported to the Chinese market via unofficial channels, Vietnamese businesses are looking for ways to officially export this product.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in 2022, Vietnamese lobster exports to China will reach over 257 million USD, an increase of 8.3 times compared to 2021. Vietnamese lobster exports to China China in 2022 increased strongly thanks to rising Chinese consumer demand because a few years earlier, the Chinese market was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Ms. Kim Thu, shrimp market expert of (VASEP), in 2021, the Chinese lobster market is almost "frozen" because of the Covid-19 epidemic, so in 2022, supply will decrease, causing this market to strengthen. Imported for domestic consumption and export processing.
Notably, on April 27, 2022, Thanh Nhon Seafood and General Trading Company Limited (Ho Chi Minh City) signed a contract to officially export live lobster products to Kunming City in quantity. 2,000 tons, implemented until April 2023. This is the largest official lobster export contract ever for a domestic enterprise.
According to data from China Customs, in the first 7 months of 2023, China's lobster imports reached 32,358 tons, worth over 962 million USD, an increase of 19% in volume and 1% in value compared to the same period last year.
The largest lobster suppliers to China include Canada, the US, New Zealand, Cuba, India, Brazil, Mexico... Vietnam ranks 14th in lobster supply to China, accounting for a small market share of 1%. Vietnamese lobster products exported to China include rock lobsters, cotton lobsters, and fresh, live green lobsters.
Currently, lobster consumption is mainly exported to the Chinese market through unofficial channels. Lobster farmers always face many risks when prices fluctuate erratically, being pressured by traders... Meanwhile, informal exports are becoming increasingly narrow as China is gradually applying strict conditions on the import of lobsters. foreign agricultural, forestry and aquatic products.
To ensure convenience in exporting lobster in the coming time, officially exporting lobster is very necessary. To do so, it is urgent to create links in the production, purchasing, and export of lobsters associated with traceability.
To successfully build linked models, the fisheries industry will focus on supporting relevant parties participating in the chain to access support policies; guide the transfer of scientific and technological advances in aquaculture; Implement well the planning of concentrated aquaculture areas to develop raw material areas; Create favorable conditions for purchasing and exporting units to connect with lobster farmers.
To officially export lobster to the Chinese market, businesses must be granted an export enterprise code to the Chinese market by the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Have a quarantine certificate issued by branches of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development.
Farmers need to focus on taking care and closely monitoring market developments, stocking at moderate density and in accordance with planning, and fully register and declare with state management agencies.
Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had a project to develop lobster farming and export by 2025, with total farming output reaching 3,000 tons a year and export turnover reaching 200 million USD a year. The largest lobster producing provinces in the country are Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, and Kien Giang.
