January 23, 2007

Peruvian shrimp exports to be worth US$60-70 million

Peru's shrimp exports will be in the range of US$60-70 million in the next five years, benefiting the country's Northern areas such as Tumbes and Paita, where Peru's shrimp production and export is concentrated.

According to estimates of the Peru Shrimp Association, while Spain main destination for Peruvian shrimps, about a third of Peru's shrimp production is sent to the US.

The majority of exported shrimps consists of shrimps with shells, worth a total of US$24 million in 2005. However, exports of shelled shrimps have jumped seven fold from 2004 to 2005.

Industry analysts have urged exporters to concentrate on expanding the US market due to growing seafood consumption.