June 27, 2014

US shrimp prices skyrocketed as imports are falling from many shrimp-producing Asian countries that are troubled by early mortality syndrome (EMS) disease.

According to the US Department of Commerce, shrimp imports dropped by 4.8% from 2012 to 2013. Of the total imports, nearly 90% come from Asian countries.

The US restaurant-chain Red Lobster reported a nearly 30% surge in shrimp prices it paid in the first fiscal quarter, while higher costs caused its sales to drop by 8.8%. Costs of shrimp dishes at another seafood restaurant, Noodles & Company, have risen 29% this year.

At 29%, shrimp accounts for the largest seafood import in the US, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.