January 7, 2008

Australia's shrimp to cost more on strict border controls

Imported Australian shrimp is selling at higher prices as added restrictions were imposed in the border after Asian shrimps were tested of disease.

Quarantine tests for disease have resulted in more than 300 tonnes, or 22 containers, of shrimps being refused entry since October 2007.

Harry Peters, chairman of the Australian Seafood Importers Association, said that budget or middle level restaurants might soon charge more for seafood dishes.

Starting October, one seafood distributor raised wholesale prices for imported medium prawns by 30 to 40 percent, from US$18.90 kilogramme to US$25.90 kg. 

The stringent quarantine tests on imported prawns were introduced to guard four deadly viruses found prevalent in South-East Asian prawn farms.