VASEP forecast shortage of tra fish

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) predicts that tra fish exports in 2011 will be more stressful than 2010, the lack of input will become serious.

This year’s tra fish exports will reach about 900,000 tonnes, falling by 40 percent compared to the previous year, and export turnover will decrease to US$1 billion.

The scarcity of tra fish will last until May 2011. Even though the price of tra fish now stands at high level, VND22,000-23,000 per kilogram, farmers still hesitate to raise tra fish due food price increases, and because high interest rate prevents them from taking loans.

In January 2011, the VASEP and businesses have agreed to keep the export price of tra fish at minimum US$2.05-3 per kilogram. They have also jointly defined specific steps to implement this agreement.