Though China has yet to formally open its doors to buffalo meat exports from India, a threefold rise (in dollar terms) in exports routed through Vietnam has lifted traders.
China has, in principle, decided to allow direct imports, but the decision hasn’t been officially notified.
Between April and October in 2013, exports to Vietnam rose 197 per cent in value terms and 100 per cent in terms of quantity compared to a year ago. Vietnam accounts for 40 per cent of exports.
Between April and October in 2013, buffalo-meat exports rose 46 per cent (in value terms) to $2,361 million compared to a year ago, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
In terms of quantity, there was a 23 per cent rise. Exports are set to cross $4 billion in 2013-14 against $3.19 billion a year ago.