Ca Mau proposes tackling challenges related to the exportation of shrimp

On June 30, Kieu Trung Tin, Deputy Officer of Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, stated that the Provincial Chairman had sent a message to MARD, requesting their assistance in resolving challenges faced by sand shrimp and pink shrimp processing and export companies.

As to Chairman Huynh Quoc Viet's report, the shrimp industry in Ca Mau province has consistently experienced favorable growth in both production and export value over the past year. By 2023, the shrimp growing area had reached over 280,000 hectares, with an output of around 231,000 tons of shrimp. The export turnover value exceeded 1 billion USD.

Nevertheless, exporting shrimp presents greater difficulties as a result of more stringent standards from global markets, particularly the EU market. This includes the need to establish and adhere to suitable quality standards and implement rigorous food safety precautions. The decline in export prices for shrimp goods, along with price competitiveness in the global market, are significant contributing causes.

Starting in 2024, all shrimp products intended for import into the EU market must be included in Vietnam's residue monitoring program, as mandated by the new legislation. Currently, the residue monitoring program does not encompass the sand shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) and pink shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis). Consequently, businesses that have export contracts for these shrimp varieties to the EU market may face obstacles in shipping their products. This could result in penalties, contract compensation, and negative impacts on their production, business operations, and customer base.

In addition, firms in Ca Mau province that intend to export sand shrimp and pink shrimp to the EU market would have challenges in the foreseeable future.

To address the current situation and mitigate challenges faced by businesses with significant export potential for sand shrimp and pink shrimp, as well as residents affected by the loss of export markets, the People's Committee of Ca Mau province suggests that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) instruct the Department of Quality Management, Processing, and Market Development to promptly evaluate the inclusion of sand shrimp and pink shrimp in Vietnam's residue monitoring program for 2024 and beyond.

Simultaneously, throughout the period of awaiting inclusion in the residue monitoring program, the pertinent authorities ought to establish communication with the EU authorities in order to expedite the exportation of sand shrimp and pink shrimp from seafood processing enterprises to the EU by 2024.