Vietnamese clam exports to the EU show signs of rebound

Following a continuous decline in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, Vietnam’s clam exports to the European Union (EU) exhibited an upward trend in the second quarter of 2024. However, the overall export value remained lower compared to the same period in 2022.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, the value of clam shipments to the EU in April and May climbed steadily by 19% over the same period last year. The export value to this market rose by 5% overall in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching around 26 million USD; yet, it is still 25% less than the same time in 2022.

69% of Vietnam’s export value is made up of steamed frozen clams, with the remaining 39% being frozen clam meat. Vietnam primarily sells clams to EU nations.

With 90% of the entire export value going to this market, Spain, Italy, and Portugal are currently the three biggest importers of Vietnamese clams. Exports to Spain and Italy are up over the first five months of 2023, while exports to Portugal are down.

Notably among the EU countries, Spain has shown a continuous increase in clam imports in the first five months of 2024. Exports to this market in the first five months of the year reached more than 10 million USD, up 29% compared to the same period in 2023.

Currently, more than 20 enterprises are participating in clam exports to the EU market. Among them, HASUVIMEX, Lenger Seafoods Vietnam, and Minh Dang Co., Ltd are the three largest exporters, accounting for 58% of the country’s total clam exports in the first five months of this year.

According to businesses, the demand for mollusks in the EU market is showing signs of recovery after inflation. Additionally, the continued MSC certification of Ben Tre clams will be an opportunity for Vietnam to increase exports to this market.

(Source: https://seafood.vasep.com.vn/)