August 20, 2014

Ecuador's shrimp exports up 10% in H1 2014

Ecuador exported 350 million pounds (158,757.33 tonnes) of shrimp in the first half of this year, up 10% on-year, and is estimated to ship about 500 million pounds (226,796.19 tonnes) in 2014.

The president of the National Aquaculture Chamber (CNA), Jose Antonio Camposano said it is a record figure. CAN's statistics also indicated the country's shrimp exports between January and April reached US$754 million.

"Currently, the countries of Central America and Asia have lowered their productivity level due to the early mortality syndrome, which increases the costs of the product. However, this may change at any time," Camposano said.

After the recent agreement between Ecuador and the EU, together with Russia's interest in increasing its imports from Latin America, Ecuador's shrimp sector is developing marketing strategies to promote exports, such as participation in trade fairs, organization of guided missions, promotional events in restaurants and supermarkets and the creation of a national brand.