March 8, 2010

US blocks Mexican shrimp imports

 

The US will ban imports of shrimp from Mexico, effective April 20, on grounds that the country has failed to adequately protect sea turtles.

American law prohibits imports of shrimp unless the harvesting nation has sea turtle protection programmes comparable to those in effect in the US. If the ban is upheld, it will jeopardise nearly 60,000 tonnes of Mexican shrimp exported annually. These exports are valued at more than US$350 million, representing 42% of Mexico's total seafood exports.

The announcement coincides with the end of the year's shrimping season and thus may not actually affect trade. Observers note Mexico will have ample time to improve its sea turtle protection schemes to comply with international standards, and the US would then likely drop its ban.

Representatives of the Mexican Council of Promotion of Fishing and Aquaculture Products AC (Comepesca) and the Council of Administration of La Nueva Viga said Mexico executes fishing responsible as far as the loss of life for turtles and dolphins.

Comepesca president Manuel Montes Diaz charged that the ban is intended to protect US shrimp producers. He said Mexico's shrimp sector is well-organised and that 90% of its shrimp production derived from aquaculture.