U.S.'s Catfish Import from Vietnam up 27 per cent in Jan-September
The U.S.’s import of tra and basa catfish from Vietnam jumped 27 per cent in the Jan-Sept period of 2008, much higher than the rise of 6 per cent from other markets, according to the U.S. Department of Customs.
In Jan-Sept period, the U.S. spent US$52.98 million on importing 16,800 tons of catfish from Vietnam, accounting for 52.9 per cent of the country’s total imports.
The department said the import increased sharply in the second quarter, and decreased in the third quarter of the year.
Export prices of Vietnamese catfish to the U.S. were averaging at US$3.1-US$3.2 a kilogram, lower than the US$3.7-US$3.8 a kilogram offered by Chinese exporters.
Vietnam sees the U.S. an important market for catfish export even though the country accounted for only 5 per cent of its total catfish exports.
Vietnam exported more than US$1 billion worth of catfish in Jan-Sept, with Russia being the biggest importer with US$155.6 million. (Vinanet)
Vietnamese
