Imported seafood prices skyrocket amid transport restrictions

King crabs are sold at VND2.5-2.9 million ($109-126) per kilogram, 50 percent higher year-on-year.

Australian and South Korean abalones are sold at 30 percent higher at VND1.6-1.8 million.

Salmon prices are up 18 percent at VND650,000.

A seafood importer who owns a restaurant in the city’s Tan Binh District blamed the price rise on a supply shortage, saying the semi-lockdown has made transporting seafood difficult.

Another reason is the limited number of flights coming to Vietnam from abroad.

Another importer said half the crabs died on the way to Vietnam due to flight delays, causing him losses. He has stopped selling for now.

Tran Van Truong, CEO of seafood chain Hoang Gia, said flights from Norway to HCMC are rare and in most cases have to transit in other countries.

Many sellers are increasing the sale of domestic seafood items such as red tilapia and squid to survive.