According to statistics from Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's export turnover of shellfish such as clams and snails in the first 7 months of 2024 is estimated to reach more than 95 million USD, an increase of more than 24% over the same period in 2023.
Specifically, clam export turnover is estimated to reach 52 million USD, scallops are estimated to reach 14 million USD, snails are estimated to reach 16 million USD, oysters are estimated to reach more than 8 million USD and other seafood are estimated to reach nearly 4 million USD. Among the products, snail exports have the highest growth rate compared to the same period in 2023, more than 57%.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Ha, an expert from VASEP, said that in the first 7 months, China increased its import of clams and mussels from Vietnam by 120 times compared to the same period in 2003.
Other types of mollusks in live, fresh or chilled form also had a strong increase in export value, reaching more than 7 million USD, an increase of nearly 82 times compared to the same period. In recent times, not only China but also other countries are increasing their import of Vietnamese mollusks.
According to statistics from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam has over 41,500 hectares of mollusk farming (mainly bivalve mollusks) with an output of about 265,000 tonnes/year; of which, clams reach 179,000 tonnes/year. In the southern provinces, shellfish are concentrated in coastal localities such as Ben Tre, Tra Vinh and Tien Giang.
This livestock industry provides the main source of income for about 200,000 workers, contributing significantly to the economy of coastal provinces in the West. However, climate change and saline intrusion are seriously affecting output, especially clams.
According to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Tra Vinh, the whole province currently has 800 hectares of commercial clam farming area but productivity is decreasing. Many experts say that increasing demand for clams and mussels in the world is creating momentum for export industry of this product. However, enterprises need to be proactive to ensure raw materials and improve product quality.
In 2023, Vietnam's clam and snail exports achieved many positive results, with a total export turnover of over 95 million USD, an increase of more than 24% over the same period last year. Main products including clams, scallops, snails and oysters all had strong growth, especially snails with a growth rate of more than 57%. This increase is mainly due to demand from large markets such as China.
It is forecasted that by the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, clam and snail exports will continue to grow due to increasing global consumption demand, although they will face some challenges from climate change and saltwater intrusion.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn