December 30, 2008

Indonesia's fishery exports reach US$2.5 billion in 2008

Indonesia's fishery exports reached US$2.5 billion in 2008, compared to the targeted revenue set at US$2.68 billion, according to statistics shown by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) on Friday (Dec 26).

MMAF director of foreign marketing, Saut P Hutagalung said the 2008 exports were only US$2.5 billion due to the global financial crisis and a decline in demand for shrimp and tuna in November and December.

Exports reached US$1.3 billion in June 2008 and US$1.6 billion in August 2008.

Hutagalung said that there were many obstacles faced in the maritime and fisheries sector this year.

In July to September, exporters faced problems of shortage of fishery product supplies and transhipment allegations.