Vietnam's Tea Exports Up 13.4 per cent to US$50M in Jan-May
Vietnam was estimated to have earned US$50 million from shipping 40,000 tons of tea abroad in the first five months this year, up 13.4 per cent in value and 17.5 per cent in volume on year, latest General Statistics Office (GSO) said.
In May, the country exported 9,000 tons of tea, earning US$11 million, registering respective rises of 12.5 per cent and 11 per cent against the previous month.
Vietnam Tea Association chairman Nguyen Kim Phong said this is due to an improvement in quality, hygiene, and food safety.
During the economic crisis, the industry plans to cut the price to attract more customers and increase exports, Phong said.
It focuses on increasing production, quality and training courses for farmers.
At present, the export price of tea is US$1,248/ton, down US$10/ton on year, but farmers could still make a profit of US$100-US$200/ton, he said.
Phong said Vietnam targets to export 117,000 tons of tea valued at US$167 million this year. It is one of the few industries whose exports increase; tea exports for 2009 are expected to increase 13.6 per cent on year, he said.
Vietnam exports tea products to 110 countries and territories under the trademark of CheViet, registered and protected in 70 countries and territories. (GSO May 2009)
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