March 23, 2007

EU diverts seafood orders to India and Bangladesh
 

The EU is diverting its orders to India and Bangladesh after it banned seafood exports from Pakistan.

Pakistan's seafood exporters were expecting US$20-US$25 million more in orders from the EU this year but these are now being diverted to neighbouring countries, the country's newspaper, Business Recorder said on Wednesday (Mar 21).

There are two peak seasons for seafood exports. One is during August-October and the other in March-May every year. The EU is stopping all seafood orders from Pakistan by April 12, citing unsatisfactory processing conditions. Exporters said the ban is unlikely to be lifted by August, the next peak season.

Indian seafood prices are around 5-10 percent higher than Pakistan's.