According to data from Vietnam Customs, in the first half of May 2024, Vietnam's tra fish exports to China & Hong Kong reached 22 million USD, up 9% compared to the same period last year. As of May 15, 2024, the cumulative export of tra fish to this market reached nearly 175 million USD, down 14% compared to the same period in 2023.

As of May 15, 2024, China remains the largest tra fish importing market for Vietnam. Reasonable prices and delicious meat quality make it easy for consumers in China to choose. In retail stores in China, tra fish prices are recorded to be cheaper than domestic freshwater fish such as carp. Tra fish has become a popular choice for home cooking and even for restaurant chains.

Importers are forced to focus on cheaper items as China's economy slows down, making consumers more cautious and hesitant in spending. Being cheaper than some indigenous fish species like carp, tilapia, and pomfret has made tra fish more preferred and firmly established in this country.

The prices of other white meat fish in China are rising, typical of tilapia, due to reduced output, leading consumers not only in this market but also in the US and some other countries to switch to other white meat fish products.

As a white meat fish species, raised in the upper layer, tra fish meat is clean, nutritious, and nearly boneless, making it very suitable for children's menus. In addition, the fat of this fish species is also rich in omega-3 good for health, so families tend to cook at home highly favor dishes made from this fish species.

The top 4 companies exporting tra fish to China in the first four months of this year include: Truong Giang, Nam Viet, Dai Thanh, Vinh Hoan, and IDI Corp.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, in the first half of May 2024, Vietnam's tra fish exports to all markets reached 76 million USD, up 13% compared to the same period in 2023. As of May 15, 2024, the cumulative export of tra fish reached 656 million USD, up 3% compared to the same period last year.

Source: VASEP