In recent days, the price of raw shrimp in the Mekong Delta provinces continued to increase, rising to the highest price since the beginning of 2012, reports ThanhnienOnline.
The good prices are most likely due to the fact that many shrimp farmers do not have much to sell. According to the relevant agencies, in 2012 100,766 ha of shrimp died (mainly in the Mekong Delta) due to disease.
The government has been working hard with other countries to try and prevent disease in shrimp but it is still not 100 per cent successful. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has now recommended the total quality control of biological products used in shrimp production, prohibiting the dealing of products which do not have guaranteed quality.
Shrimp exports this year are also expected to be more difficult due to competition; there is a shrinking market due to the world economic crisis.
The Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors Viet Nam (VASEP) has launched three scenarios to improve shrimp exports in 2013. First, is to to control disease. Second is to find substitutes to Ethoxyquin in animal feed, and thirdly is to take measures to prevent traders from exporting shrimp to China.
If the situation worsens, shrimp may only turnover $ 1.9 billion, down 13 per cent from 2012.
Shrimp Exporters to Face Difficulties in 2013 Despite Price Rise
VIET NAM - Experts have forecast that the production, processing and export of shrimp in 2013 will face many difficulties and challenges. It is expected that the ability to export will also decline significantly, despite in recent days the price of raw shrimp increasing.
by Lucy Towers
