January 8, 2008

Prices rise as Australia's strict quarantine rules turn back Asian prawns

Rising rejection rates of Asian prawns is prompting concerns of soaring prawn prices in Australia.

Since Australia began its quarantine tests for Asian prawns, a total of 22 containers containing more than 300 tonnes of shrimp have been rejected. Only seven containers were allowed up to December. 

The tough new quarantine tests were introduced by Biosecurity Australia (biosecurity+Australia)  and Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to guard against viruses allegedly found only in South East Asian prawn farms. So far, there have been never been cases of imported shrimp shipping in containers causing diseases in local populations.

Meanwhile retailers have raised prices by 30-40 percent and restaurants have begun buying smaller shrimp sizes or charging more.

The stricter regulations have affected not only importers but hotels and clubs and Asian restaurants. 

With the shortage of Asian prawns, prices of Australian prawns, which supply less than half the country's consumption, would be rising next.