Philippine imports in June contracted by more than a fifth, the ninth consecutive month that purchased goods from abroad slumped.

The National Statistics Office on Tuesday said imports in June dropped 22.8 per cent to about $4.108 billion.

A new direct container service between the Port of Halifax and Vietnam could be a key to new markets, says the head of Clearwater Seafoods Ltd.

"It will open the doors for us to go into Vietnam and take a look at the opportunities there," Colin MacDonald, Clearwater’s chairman and CEO, said Wednesday.

The CKYH Alliance, which includes carriers Cosco Container Lines, "K" Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin Shipping and moves cargo through Halterm, will start the direct service to Vietnam on Wednesday.