However, looking at the monthly export sales, it seems that this market is showing signs of improvement. Vietnam's seafood exports to the US in May reached 151 million USD, the highest level since the beginning of 2023. Although still experiencing a negative growth of 39% compared to the same period last year, this is also the smallest decrease compared to previous months. Both shrimp and pangasius exports had a breakthrough compared to previous months: shrimp reached 68 million USD, and pangasius reached 33 million USD

According to the US Department of Agriculture, by the end of April 2023, the US had imported 924 thousand tons of seafood, valued at over US$8 billion, down 12% in volume and 20% in value over the same period last year. Among the leading exporting countries to this market, Vietnam experienced the most significant decline.

Particularly for shrimp, the US also decreased by 12% in import volume and 29% in value. In which, India alone holds the dominant market share of 35%, Ecuador accounts for 22% while Vietnam only accounts for 7%.

Pangasius fillets from Vietnam experienced the sharpest decline among frozen fish products imported into the US, while cod imports increased significantly by 37% in volume and 64% in value

Besides high inflation, a large inventory contributed to the decline in seafood exports from Vietnam to the US. US importers significantly increased purchases in the first half of 2022 due to stock sentiment and market forecast shortfalls from the previous year. However, high inflation weakened consumption demand, resulting in a high inventory. As a result, US importers require time to sell the existing inventory at lower prices, leading to increased competition and depressed prices for newly imported goods. This sharp drop in export turnover is also attributed to Vietnam.

As the inventory continues to decrease, it is expected that importers will start ordering from Vietnam again during the busy season at the end of the year.

Compiled by Thuy Linh 
Source: Vasep