As confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Vietnam has officially granted market access for live seafood products from the United Kingdom.
This significant development is set to create new avenues for growth and trade between the two nations. The agreement unlocks a “significant opportunity” for the export of British live seafood to Vietnam, a country renowned for having one of the highest per capita seafood consumption rates in Southeast Asia.
British seafood has earned a distinguished reputation globally, thanks to its exceptional taste, quality, and rich maritime heritage. With this new agreement, Vietnamese consumers will gain access to premium live seafood products sourced from the UK’s diverse and abundant coastline. This includes highly sought-after varieties such as lobster and brown crab, both of which are celebrated for their distinct flavors.
Moreover, these additions to the market are poised to “enrich culinary options” for Vietnamese consumers. On average, individuals in Vietnam consume approximately 37kg of seafood each year. As a result, they will soon have the opportunity to experience the unique flavors and outstanding quality that have made British seafood a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Evidence of the growing demand for British seafood in Vietnam is already apparent. In the first nine months of 2024, exports of fresh, frozen, and processed seafood products to Vietnam witnessed an impressive 40% increase compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the robust opportunity available to British seafood exporters in this vibrant market.
A “Tremendous Win” for the UK Seafood Industry
Daniel Zeichner, the Minister for Food and Rural Affairs, stated, “This is a tremendous win for our seafood industry. By securing access to Vietnam’s thriving live seafood market, we’re opening new opportunities for British businesses while supporting jobs across the UK as part of our Plan for Change.” His remarks emphasize the broader economic impact of this new trade agreement.
Furthermore, Minister for Exports Gareth Thomas praised the agreement, stating, “This is a welcome and significant breakthrough, opening up a new and lucrative market to live seafood exporters across the UK.” He highlighted that when businesses engage in exporting, the entire economy stands to benefit. Consequently, he assured that the Government will persist in supporting businesses by eliminating trade barriers, thus facilitating their entry into international markets.
David Jarrad, the CEO of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the agreement. He noted, “We have been delighted to engage with Government officials in the UK and Vietnam and help achieve this export agreement.” Jarrad added that the opening of another market is excellent news for the industry, further illustrating the strong worldwide demand for the UK’s quality live shellfish.
In conclusion, officials from both nations will collaborate closely with the UK seafood sector and industry bodies to ensure a seamless transition into the Vietnamese market. This partnership will be crucial as stakeholders strive to maximize the benefits of this exciting new opportunity.
