Japan: Leading Destination for Vietnamese Seafood
Vietnam’s seafood export industry has received a significant boost as Japan has emerged as the largest importer of Vietnamese seafood, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.
This development is a positive signal for the country’s seafood exports, particularly amid challenges faced in other export markets. The stability of seafood exports to Japan underscores the recognition of Vietnamese seafood’s quality and safety, as Japan is known for its discerning market preferences.
Impressive Growth in Exports to Japan
In the first four months of this year, the total value of Vietnamese seafood exported to Japan reached an impressive US$411 million, marking a notable 9.7% increase compared to the same period in 2018.
This achievement assumes even greater significance as it helps compensate for the decline experienced in other major markets. For instance, seafood exports to the US decreased by nearly 2% during the same period in 2018, while the EU and China witnessed declines of 9.6% and 8.6%, respectively.
Expanding Opportunities in the Japanese Market
The potential for boosting Vietnamese seafood exports to Japan is expected to grow further. Beyond traditional export products like shrimp and marine fish, tra fish has gained significant popularity among Japanese consumers.
In the first three months of 2019, the value of tra fish exports to Japan reached nearly US$8.6 million, representing a remarkable increase of over 60% compared to the same period in 2018.
In conclusion, Japan’s position as the leading importer of Vietnamese seafood signifies a promising outlook for the country’s seafood export industry. The stability of exports to Japan, coupled with the growing demand for tra fish among Japanese consumers, highlights the recognition of Vietnamese seafood’s quality and safety standards.
With Japan’s discerning market preferences, Vietnamese seafood exporters are well-positioned to further capitalize on this opportunity and strengthen their presence in the Japanese market.
