March 20, 2008

Brazil shrimp exports grow 17.3 percent

Brazil's shrimp exports in January and February grew 17.3 percent over the same period last year, with US$5 million in sales.

This growth was driven by greatly increased shipments from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, which is one of Brazil's top shrimp producing states responsible for nearly 90 percent of the country's total shrimp production.

According to a spokesperson for the state government, exports reached US$72.4 million up to February, compared with US$66.7 million in the first two months of 2007.

Brazil produces about 90,000 tonnes of shrimp per year, with the shrimp industry comprising of about 1,000 producers. Brazil processes 925 tonnes of shrimp per day, with storage capacity of 15,925 tonnes.

There are currently about 700,000-hectares of land available for use in Brazil and the shrimp industry could further expand and prosper if the government permits them to use those lands.

Brazil's shrimp consumption has risen to between 60 and 70 percent in recent years.