(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Among Vietnam's bivalve molluscs exports, clams have emerged as a leading product, accounting for over 52% of the total export value.

In August 2024, Vietnam's clam exports reached nearly 10 million USD, a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2023. In the first eight months of 2024, clam export value exceeded $65 million, up 19%.

Vietnam has over 41,500 hectares of mollusc farming (mainly bivalves) with the production of about 265,000 tons, of which clams account for 179,000 tons per year. This value chain provides employment for approximately 200,000 workers.

Currently, the EU is the largest importer of Vietnam's clam products. Among them, Spain and Italy are the two largest importing markets, with a proportion of 26% and 21%. Exports to both markets are currently higher than the same period last year. However, exports to Italy are unstable and have shown a downward trend in August.

China, Vietnam's third largest importer of clams, is also significantly increasing its imports. Vietnam's clam exports to this market have been soaring at a triple-digit rate in recent months. At the end of August 2024, clam exports to China reached nearly $11 million, a 215% increase over the same period.

According to enterprises, the increasing global consumption of clams and mussels is driving the export of these products. Therefore, Vietnam's clam exports are expected to continue growing until the end of the year.