HA NOI (VNS)— Seafood export turnover in the first quarter of this year is estimated at US$1.2 billion, a drop of 7.5-8 per cent year-on-year.

According to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), seafood exports in March reached about $450 million, down 17-18 per cent against the same month in 2012.

Domestic shrimp producers are facing difficulties due to decreasing demand and Japan's strict ethoxiquyn limits.

VASEP estimated that shrimp exports fell by 10 per cent to $160 million in March and 8 per cent to $400 million in the first three months of the year.

The export of tra fish saw a year-on-year decrease of 13 per cent to $140 million, driving down total tra fish export earnings in the first quarter to $393 million, a fall of 7.6 per cent from a year ago.

Tuna exports rose to $145 million in March, up 12 per cent compared to last year's figure. However the first quarter's value down 16 per cent year-on-year.-VNS