Thailand's shrimp exports will probably post no growth next year due to sluggish global demand, especially in Europe and the US.
Somsak Paneetatyasai, president of the Thai Shrimp Association, said export volume is expected to remain at 350,000 metric tons (MT) next year. Overall shrimp production is projected at 540,000 MT this year, down 10 percent from 600,000 MT in 2011, due to diseases known as early mortality syndrome and white spot syndrome.
Exports have also declined by 10 percent this year.
However, Somsak said export value would remain unchanged at 100 billion baht this year.
He said price trends in 2013 would be about the same as this year _ THB 140 for shrimp sizes of 70 units per kilogram.
Global shrimp production is expected to total 2.02 million MT this year, down 13 percent from last year, because of the spread of emerging shrimp diseases and climate changes.
The other major shrimp exporters are China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Somsak said Thailand can maintain its position as a leading exporter for at least three years, thanks to aquaculture development and quality.
In the first 10 months of this year, Thailand's shrimp export volume totaled 285,000 MT, down 12.31 percent, for a value ofTHB 79.13 billion, down 12.67 percent.
