SERIOUS CONTRACTION IN ECUADORIAN SHRIMP EXPORTS

Serious contraction in Ecuadorian shrimp exports – The Ecuadorian shrimp sector has announced, a serious contraction in its production and exports as a result of the market crisis and reduced demand.

The announcement of the productive sector, which was made together with the Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries Iván Ontaneda, also highlighted the impact that the world situation has had on the breeding and export of crustaceans that did not experience such a profound price crisis. in over a decade.

Maturations and larviculture already register a worrying drop in production; the same is evident in the shrimp farms, since dry pools can be seen on an aerial tour, a situation last seen in times of white spot. Added to this scenario is the report by the producer sector of a decrease in planting densities to avoid greater economic losses that lead to layoffs of the personnel.

The drop in production is a reality that is already reflected in exports for the month of June, which had a drop of £ 37 million compared to May.

China, which is the main destination for Ecuadorian shrimp exports (62%), also registered a drop in demand, since in May sales to that destination reached 116 million pounds, while in June the statistics of the CNAs (National Chamber of Aquaculture) are targeting just £ 59m, a drop of 49%.

According to CNA projections as of July, the contraction is more acute since only 80 million pounds would be exported until the end of the month. Supply to China is almost non-existent as only £ 11m would be sold to that market.

Regarding the market and facing current challenges, the shrimp sector is responding to new demands immediately. The PCR analysis of packinghouse personnel has become widespread, as well as the reinforcement of biosafety measures in the areas of packaging material and containers. In this way, the Chinese Customs authorities contribute to the improvement of biosafety processes in this new global context.