VN exports of shark catfish fall sharply

HCM CITY — Shark catfish exports fell by 61 per cent year-on-year in January to US$83.6 million, according to the Việt Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers. Though the rise in seafood prices is relatively modest, higher prices are still affecting its demand, Lệ Hằng, director of VASEP’s communication department, said. Retailers are focusing on promoting affordable seafood items, and supermarkets are selling more frozen seafood due to the rising demand for home cooked meals. Việt Nam expects to benefit from this shift in US demand for seafood and lower inflation. Last year’s shark catfish exports were the highest ever at $2.44 billion after growing by 45 per cent, with the US accounting for $537.2 million.