Recife - After rising steadily for the six consecutive years, Brazilian exports of shrimp to the United States took a nose dive this year. Between January and August they were down 54%, compared to the same period last year.

According to Itamar Rocha, president of the shrimp breeders association, there were three reasons for the reduction: a lack of government financing, a decrease in investments in new technology and an anti-dumping suit brought by eight shrimp-producing states in the southern US. As a result of the anti-dumping suit, Brazilian shrimp exporters now face a 23.6% surtax in the US and have little chance of exporting what they exported last year: 21,800 tons.

Rocha reports that Brazil will begin negotiations with the US on the issue immediately.

Meanwhile, Brazilian shrimp exporters are now aiming at the European and Asian markets with the hope of at least equaling last year's results when shrimp export revenue totalled US$226 million with the sale of over 58,000 tons on international markets. Rocha says that is a disappointment, pointing out that the original target for this year was to export 76,000 tons with revenue of US$300 million.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:Márcia Wonghon
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/30/2004