December 19, 2013

In 2014, Philippines' vannamei or white shrimp exports will rise 25%, according to the country's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

"We are projecting high export growth for shrimp next year. So far, there has been high demand from markets like Japan, US, Singapore and other Asian countries," said BFAR director Asis Perez.

Perez cited an expansion in the shrimp aquaculture industry, especially in the Bicol region, Quezon, Bani in Bataan and General Santos City. About 35% of the Philippine shrimp supply currently comes from General Santos.

The BFAR official said the Philippines would also export frozen vannamei to Singapore, Japan, US, China and Hong Kong. Earlier this year, BFAR disclosed the Philippines had resumed exporting vannamei to the US, China and Korea.

Perez said the value of vannamei exports was roughly estimated at PHP325 million (US$7.3 million) monthly.

The BFAR earlier imposed a ban on the importation of live shrimp species to protect the industry from the early mortality syndrome (EMS), which is prevalent in neighbouring countries.

Perez said the private sector expressed interest to produce shrimp fingerlings.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the Agriculture Department would ensure that the country's shrimp industry remain competitive once EMS-affected countries recovered from the disease.