The US and China are increasing imports of tra fish from Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Việt Nam’s tra fish exports to some major markets like the US and China are gradually increasing though the fisheries industry is still struggling to cope with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Việt Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), exports in the first half of March to the US increased by 18.8 per cent year-on-year.

Exports to China were worth nearly US$13 million, $1 million up month-on-month.

Some businesses believe that exports to China would increase sharply in the coming months.

But exports to some other major markets like the EU, ASEAN, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Australia decreased from the same period last year.

Shipments to ASEAN member countries fell by 25.2 per cent, to the EU by 47.3 per cent, and to Mexico by 57.5 per cent.

The pandemic is greatly affecting the EU where a lockdown to contain it is making goods transport and forwarding difficult.

But the high demand for seafood, including tra, in the market means exports would recover, VASEP forecast.

But it said in April exports would continue to decrease due to the cargo transport problems. — VNS