May/June 2010 - Global Aquaculture Alliance

marketplace
Shrimp Problems In Indonesia? Imports From Ecuador
Continue Strong As White Conversion Continues
U.S. imports of cooked shrimp were off in January,
while breaded imports rose.
Summary:
January saw a shortage of large shrimp, especially black
tigers. Continuing production problems in Indonesia
may affect future U.S. shrimp imports from this main
supplier. More white shrimp production will be an
interesting dynamic in 2010. Fresh and frozen whole
salmon imports continued to see YTD increases in January,
while fillets began 2010 lower. Norway was the top
source for fresh fillets. In January, total tilapia imports
to the U.S. increased over December 2009. Fresh fillets
registered a more than modest increase, while frozen fillets
recorded a monthly record high.
In January, imports of shrimp to the United States began the
year down a slight 1.8% from levels a year ago (Table 1). However,
there were some noticeable trends in imports that may
indicate future supplies.
Production
Most importantly, import volume from Indonesia was down
sharply the last two months in a row. When added to anecdotal
Form
Shell-on
Peeled
Cooked
Breaded
Total
January 2010
(1,000 lb)
34,008
29,673
18,289
9,209
92,755
Sources: U.S. Census, Urner Barry Publications, Inc.
information, this fact appeared to indicate continuing production
problems that may affect supplies going forward for the number
2 supplier to the U.S. market. In addition, Bangladesh imports
continued their downward trend from 2009 with reports that
much of their production was destined for Russia.
Imports from Thailand were only slightly lower in January,
and for the last several years have been very steady. After an
increase in 2009, Ecuador’s shrimp exports to the U.S. continue
strong. Imports from China for the first month of the year were
also higher with an increase in breaded imports. Vietnam product
– lower in 2009 – also begin the year slightly lower. Imports
from Malaysia, after an off year in 2009, were sharply higher for
January, while those from Mexico were lower.
Total headless, shell-on imports were up slightly in January,
with white imports up and black tiger imports lower. Peeled
shrimp and cooked shrimp imports were lower. Led by China,
breaded imports were higher.
Shrimp Market
The most glaring market condition in January was that large
shrimp in all categories were short, especially large black tiger
shrimp. This situation may be exacerbated by an improving
demand until new season production is available in late spring.
Large white shrimp, which had lagged behind the black tiger
market, also saw improving buying interest for 21-25 count and
larger shrimp. The market was generally firm.
Medium and smaller white shrimp have recently been mostly
steady. The market has now begun to seasonally strengthen. The
market tone, although recently firm, remains somewhat unsettled
as sellers evaluate demand in relation to the supply.
A continuing trend that will be an interesting dynamic this
year is the addition of white shrimp production in India and a
further move to white production in many other producing
countries.
Table 1. Snapshot of U.S. shrimp imports, January 2010.
December 2009
(1,000 lb)
40,489
36,044
21,853
8,110
108,186
Change
(Month)
-16.0%
-17.7%
-16.3%
13.6%
-14.3%
Paul Brown, Jr.
pbrownjr@urnerbarry.com
Janice Brown
Angel Rubio
Urner Barry Publications, Inc.
P. O. Box 389
Toms River, New Jersey 08754 USA
January 2009
(1,000 lb)
32,320
32,070
20,804
7,226
94,491
Change
(Year)
5.2%
-7.5%
-12.1%
27.4%
-1.8%
YTD 2010
(1,000 lb)
34,008
29,673
18,289
9,209
92,755
YTD 2009
(1,000 lb)
32,320
32,070
20,804
7,226
94,491
Change
(Year)
5.2%
-7.5%
-12.1%
27.4%
-1.8%
global aquaculture advocate May/June 2010 69