ANALYSIS: EU and UK Shrimp Imports Pick Up in Spring 2024

We have recently observed a positive trend in the European shrimp market after a seasonal dip in imports in February and March.

According to the latest data from Global Trade Tracker, EU and UK imports of shrimp from tier regions reached 53,847 MT in May 2024, a 5.5% progression since April, which was 10.6% up since March. All in all, from January to May 2024, EU and UK shrimp imports grew by 4.1% year over year.

However, May volumes are down 3.9% compared with...

Prime Shrimp Expands Value-Added Shrimp Product Line Into Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon

Prime Shrimp began 2024 by expanding its product line with a new Soy Ginger offering. Now, a little more than halfway through the year, the value-added shrimp brand is expanding its retail footprint.

Based out of New Orleans, Prime Shrimp offers a wide line of boil-in-bag frozen shrimp and sauce products. Offerings are already available across the East Coast. But now, retail accessibility is growing in the Pacific Northwest thanks to a partnership with...

Colombian Agricultural Institute Suspends Raw Shrimp Imports From Ecuador

Due to fears of white spot syndrome, Colombia’s Agricultural Institute (ICA) announced late last week that it has decided to suspend import permits for raw shrimp and other crustaceans, “as well as risky products and by-products from Ecuador.”

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is considered highly contagious — as well as deadly for shrimp. ICA reports that its surveillance and control work on shipments from Ecuador have resulted in the “recurring” detection of the presence of WSSV. In an effort to keep Colombia free of WSSV, ICA said...

Texas Commercial Gulf Shrimp Season Opens Monday, July 15

Today is the day. The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for Texas state and federal waters will open Monday, July 15 30 minutes after sunset. 

The annual closing of the Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season off the Texas coast took place in mid-May. 

“The annual mid-May closure protects brown shrimp until they can reach larger, more valuable sizes during their major period of emigration from the bays to the Gulf of Mexico,” explained Robin Riechers, TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division director.

A reopening date was...

ANALYSIS: Argentina Shrimp Exports Slightly Down in 2024

The Argentinian National Institute of Statistics just released May figures for shrimp exports, accessible in GTT. Argentinian exports of wild shrimp in May 2024 progressed by 2.3% month-on-month, but they declined by 10.3% year-on-year. This is following a strong fall observed in the first quarter, with a slowdown of the demand, particularly from China, as well as political tensions in the country which impacted negatively export capacity.

Since January, Argentina sent 41,516 tonnes of muelleri shrimps abroad, which stands 15.7% lower than same time last...

Conagra Brands’ Evol Foods Adds First Seafood Dish To Frozen Single-Serve Meal Offerings

Conagra Brands’ Evol Foods, which is known for its wholesome frozen single-serve meals, has introduced its first seafood offering: Garlic Shrimp Cavatappi.

Evol prides itself in being “forward thinking” about frozen food, which to them means “freezing fresh, simple ingredients in order for busy people to eat better, healthier food whenever they want.” The brand’s single serve meal line has a handful of chicken products, like Chicken Adobo and Hot Honey Chicken, as well as red meat options, like...

Commerce Stands By Preliminary Determination For Frozen Shrimp From Ecuador

Despite pushback, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has confirmed that they will not be adjusting preliminary antidumping rates for Ecuador’s Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila and Sociedad Nacional de Galapagos (SONGA). 

The DOC announced its preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador and Indonesia in late May. The determination was a result of a trade petition that was filed by the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA) in October 2024. Looking solely at Ecuador, SONGA was...

Future of Fish Event Demonstrates How Seafood Is Crucial To Global Food Supply Chain 

The "Future of Fish: Insights & Innovations Day" event was organized by Mission Kitchen last month. This event demonstrated how seafood is crucial to the global food supply chain and cultural identities. In addition, ocean sustainability emerged as an exciting challenge that may be addressed through innovation in aquatic industries, such as fisheries, aquaculture, and processors. As customer food preferences have been changing due to diets and environmental awareness, it should be noted that the seafood industry is required to...

ANALYSIS: EU Shrimp Imports Stable in Q1 Thanks to Spanish Market Boost

Between January and March 2024, the European Union imported 133k MT of shrimp of all species from any origin ex-EU. This represents a slight growth of 1.7% compared with Q1 last year, and a strong progression of 16.2% compared with the pre-COVID period of Q1 2019.

When looking at each country, the position of Spain as the largest importer of the region is confirmed again this year. First, its share of EU shrimp imports progressed from 27.1% in Q1 2023 to...

3 Takeaways From NOAA’s FY23 Report On SIMP

Late last week NOAA Fisheries released an update regarding the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP), sharing a review of the program’s effectiveness.

SIMP was first implemented in 2018 as a way to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The program established reporting and record-keeping requirements for imports of 13 seafood species groups: abalone, Atlantic cod, blue crab (Atlantic), dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi), grouper, King crab (red), Pacific cod, red snapper, sea cucumber, sharks, shrimp, swordfish and tuna (albacore, bigeye, skipjack, yellowfin, bluefin).

The implementation of the program was...

Commerce Makes Preliminary Determination in AD Investigation Into Shrimp From Ecuador, Indonesia

On Thursday the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador and Indonesia. The determination stems from a trade petition that was filed by the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA) in October 2024.

To briefly recap, ASPA filed a trade petition seeking antidumping duties on imported frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador and Indonesia and countervailing duties on imported shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The group said in a press release...

Trader Joe’s Introduces 3 New Seafood Products, Including RTE Salmon Item

Trader Joe’s is constantly introducing new items to their shelves. And this month, three of their new products just so happen to be seafood-related.

The grocer’s refrigerated section has plenty of ready-to-eat (RTE) options, and the latest addition to that lineup involves salmon. Trader Joe’s is encouraging customers to “shake up” a classic with their new Caesar Salad with Salmon. This RTE offering features romaine lettuce and kale blend with grilled salmon, parmesan crisps and romano Caesar dressing...

FFAW Says Northern Shrimp Fishery Is “Delayed Without Cause”

Members of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) met with the DFO regional office this week to discuss issues surrounding the delayed opening of Shrimp Fishing Area (SFA) 6. While the DFO could not provide the union with a hard deadline, FFAW says that they “alluded to an end of May target.”

In March the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced an extension to complete the rebuilding plan for the stock in SFA 6. “The rebuilding plan development timeline for northern shrimp in SFA 6 was...

Japan: March Shrimp Imports Up 1% to 13,100 Tons, Increasing for the Third Consecutive Month

Japan’s Ministry of Finance recently announced that the amount of shrimp imported in March was 13,127 tons, an increase of 1.1% from last year. This is the third consecutive month of positive growth since January. The amount decreased by 2.5% to 17,983 million yen. Although there are signs of recovery in imports due to low inventories as a result of a decline in imports in 2023, a cautious stance continues as the yen weakens, reported Suisan Keizai Shimbun.

The "other frozen shrimp category," which...

FDA Flags Choice Canning, 3 Other BAP-Certified Shrimp Exporters For Antibiotic-Contaminated Shrimp

India’s Choice Canning has been flagged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for antibiotic-positive shrimp just weeks after a whistleblower accused the company of shipping antibiotic-tainted shrimp to the U.S.

The FDA recently published its seafood entry line refusals for the month of April. The government agency documented 89 entry line refusals, 15 of which (16.9%) were for shrimp related to banned antibiotics. Those 15 entry lines were split amongst four companies — one of which was the embroiled...

Department of Commerce Publishes Amended CVD Determination on Shrimp From Ecuador 

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has officially published the amended preliminary affirmative countervailing duty (CVD) determination on shrimp from Ecuador. 

In late March the DOC announced its preliminary affirmative determinations in the CVD investigations of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador, as well as India and Vietnam. (At the same time the DOC also confirmed a negative determination in the CVD investigation of shrimp from Indonesia.) Ecuador exporter/ producer Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila was slapped with a 13.41% preliminary subsidy rate...

ANALYSIS: June U.S. Shrimp Imports Expected to Decline

Expana’s Lead Analyst Angel Rubio forecasts June 2024 shrimp imports to come in at 122 million pounds, which would be a little over 10 percent below the 136.278 million pounds in June 2023.

This would bring the H1 total to 776.1 million pounds, down 2.3 percent from 794.601 million pounds in the first six months of last year.

Importers have been working on leaner inventories as the cost of capital and storage has increased and in country supplies have been good to meet current needs. However, challenges in...

Second Fishery Outside of Alaska, Gulf of Mexico Shrimp, Gains RFM Certification

Fifteen years of hard work has paid off for U.S. Gulf of Mexico shrimp fisheries. As of earlier this month, white, brown and pink shrimp in all five Gulf states and federal waters achieved Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

Collectively, it's the first shrimp fishery certified to the RFM standard, according to the Certified Seafood Collaborative.

RFM Certification requires fisheries meet RFM Standard criteria that evaluate fisheries in four key areas: A) the fisheries management system; B) science and stock assessment activities and the precautionary...

Commerce Releases Final Results of Antidumping Review of Shrimp From India

A notice regarding the final results of the antidumping duty administrative review of certain frozen warmwater shrimp from India was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday. According to the document, the final result remains unchanged from the preliminary results following the comment period.

The Department of Commerce first initiated an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on shrimp from India in April 2023. Commerce published its preliminary results review and partial rescission for 2022-2023 this past March. At the time, Commerce said they...

Shrimp Is The Star Of The Show This Summer

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy seafood. And while seafood boils and lobster rolls are always popular menu items, it wouldn’t be summer without a sizzling shrimp dish. And based on seasonal promotions it seems that all different types of restaurant chains agree. 

Brazilian Steakhouse Texas de Brazil, which serves all-you-can-eat grilled meat, does not typically offer seafood. However, the restaurant, which has 54 locations, has added two shrimp dishes to their third quarter menu.

For a limited time guests will be able to...

Proposed Legislation Would Give FDA Authority To Destroy Illegal Seafood Imports

Legislation proposed by Louisiana Congressmen Clay Higgins and Troy A. Carter, Sr. would grant the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to not destroy contaminated foreign seafood.

Titled “The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act,” the bill would expand the FDA”s power to destroy products that have been refused admission into the U.S. and are considered a risk to consumers. Currently the FDA can destroy a refused drug valued at $2,500 or less “without providing the owner or consignee with the...

The Rise of Ocean Freight Costs And How It’s Impacting Seafood  

We all remember how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted maritime and air freight services. And while those days are behind us, disruptions are once again causing ocean shipping prices to rise to record highs. Expana’s Seafood Market Reporters share how the ocean freight situation is impacting different species:

Tilapia

Expana Senior Seafood Market Reporter Lorin Castiglione says that the tilapia frozen fillet market from China is facing significant turbulence due to ongoing supply challenges, rising freight rates, container shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Freight...

CNA Calls On Authorities To Take Action Against Dangerous Attacks On Ecuador’s Shrimp Industry

José Antonio Camposano, the Executive President of Ecuador’s National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA), is once again speaking out against the violence that the shrimp industry endures. Just this month there were two attacks resulting in fatalities and other serious injuries.

The first attack, which cost a shrimp businessman his life, reportedly occurred in the province of El Oro on June 7. CNA says another incident occurred on June 19 when a truck transporting shrimp feed was attacked on Durán Boliche Road near...

ANALYSIS: April Shrimp Imports Decline In Wake Of Antidumping Duties

In data released today, and with the backdrop of CVD amended and preliminary AD released, there was a reduction in shrimp imports into the U.S. in April.

In terms of antidumping, for Ecuador, SONGA was hit with a 10.58% dumping margin and cash deposit, while Santa Priscilla was seen as “de minimis”, so not significant enough to have antidumping duties. The rest of the companies were assessed 10.58% dumping margin and 10.18% cash deposit. For Indonesia, PT Bahari Makmur Sejati was given no duty, while...

The Latest Products From Trader Joe’s Are Summer Staples

Trader Joe’s loves updating its customers about new arrivals. And the latest seafood products to hit the grocer’s shelves are all summer staples. 

Seafood lovers will want to grab multiple boxes of Trader Joe’s Seafood Boil, because this frozen item is only available for a limited time. The louisiana-style boil contains shrimp, tilapia, clams, andouille sausage, corn on the cob and miniature potatoes pre-seasoned in a spicy garlic butter sauce. Either boil it in the bag or put the contents of the bag in a sauce pan for a...

Red Lobster Bankruptcy: Thai Union’s Role In Endless Shrimp-Gate Being Investigated

As the majority owner of Red Lobster, Thai Union executives have been speaking out for months about the financial issues surrounding the seafood restaurant chain. And now, following a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing, it’s Red Lobster CEO Jonathan Tibus’ turn to spill the proverbial tea.

Tibus is relatively new to Red Lobster, first joining as Chief Restructuring Officer in January 2024 before being named CEO just a few months later in March. As CEO, he submitted a declaration in support of the...

DOL Proposes Removal of Thailand Shrimp From List of Products Produced by Forced Child Labor

A notice published in the Federal Register Friday by the Department of Labor (DOL) proposes a revisement to the Executive Order on Prohibition of Acquisition of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor. The Executive Order identifies a list of products, by their country of origin, that the DOL has “reasonable basis to believe might have been mined, produced, or manufactured by forced or indentured child labor.” According to this new notice, the DOL is proposing to remove shrimp from Thailand from...

Annual Shrimp Closure In Gulf of Mexico For Texas and Federal Waters Set For May 15

NOAA Fisheries has confirmed that the annual closing of the Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season off the Texas coast will take place on May 15. A closure is necessary in order for brown shrimp to reach a larger — and therefore more valuable — size.

“The goal of this closure is twofold,” commented Robin Riechers, the Coastal Fisheries Division Director for Texas Parks and Wildlife. “Allowing shrimp to migrate into Gulf waters gives them time to mature and grow before the...

Choice Canning Refutes FDA Refusal For Antibiotic-Tainted Shrimp

Over the weekend the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its seafood entry line refusals for the month of April. One of the companies flagged by the government agency for shrimp contaminated with veterinary drug residues was India’s Choice Canning. However, the company is refuting those claims, revealing in documentation shared with Seafoodnews that the three shrimp lines in question that were refused entry into the U.S. were by a different company that was using Choice Canning’s name.

As Seafoodnews reported on Tuesday, Choice Canning, which has...

ANALYSIS: March U.S. Shrimp Imports Move Higher

In data released today, U.S. shrimp imports continued to move higher year-over-year behind a significant surge from the top two trade partners. Total March imports were 139.489 million pounds, compared to 129.469 million pounds in 2023. India (+24.6%), Ecuador (+24.6%), and Vietnam (+39.0%) all gained. These positive numbers shifted year-to-date figures to the upside for those three countries as well. Indonesia (-30.0%) and Thailand (-25.7%) shipped less rounding out the top five.  Mexico (-31.8%) and Argentina (-28.8%), while shipping less, were...