EU may return to No. 1 position in importing pangasius

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), pangasius exports to the EU market in the first half of September 2013 reached 13.2 million USD, an increase of 3.4% over the same period in 2012, in which Spain and the Netherlands are the two largest importers in the EU, both increasing by 12.2% to 2.1 million USD and 4.6% to 1.9 million USD, respectively.

Pangasius exports to Europe in the near future are likely to restore this market's position as the number 1 importer.

Industry and Trade - According to Vietnam Customs, as of September 15, 2013, the EU continues to be the second largest market for Vietnamese pangasius, accounting for 22.4% of the total export turnover of this item, reaching a value of 267.2 million USD. However, as of September 15, 2013, the export turnover of Vietnamese pangasius to the EU decreased by 12.2% compared to the same period last year and decreased by over 14% in most major markets such as Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, of which Spain decreased the most with a decrease of 19.3%.

Despite the decline in pangasius exports, the pangasius market is still expanding in Europe as pangasius is becoming increasingly popular with consumers in this region, however quality is still a particularly important issue in this business sector. When customers go to restaurants, they want to be sure about the quality of the products they will use, so they do not prioritize seafood products of unclear origin.

According to the European Consumer Organization (BEUC), most European consumers believe that the origin of food is an important criterion for choosing food to consume. Therefore, the fact that pangasius has achieved international certifications such as ASC, Global GAP... is an advantage for consumers to choose in this market, especially during the period when the European economy is still facing many difficulties.

From late August to mid-September, the price of frozen pangasius fillets at Mercabarna Food Wholesale Center, Spain fluctuated at 2.4 euros/kg but has been on a downward trend since mid-September until now, fluctuating around 2.25 euros/kg, this price is still higher than the price of 2 euros/kg in early August.

VASEP said that the US is currently the leading importer of Vietnamese pangasius, however, this market is currently showing signs of a decline in imports of this item. Therefore, with signs of a slight recovery in pangasius exports to Europe in the near future, it is very likely that this market will regain its position as the number 1 importer of Vietnamese pangasius as before.

According to baocongthuong- PH