The United States imported USD 249.3 million (EUR 224.9 million) worth of Vietnamese shrimp in the first five months of this year, an increase of 17.4 percent year-on-year, in line with lower export prices and a rejuvenated U.S. economy, confirmed the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
In the January-May period, the average import price of shrimp coming into the U.S. market from Vietnam was USD 9 (EUR 8.12) per kg, down from USD 9.90 (EUR 8.93) in the corresponding months of 2015. Specifically, the price of medium-sized peeled and deveined shrimp – popular on many U.S. menus – fell to USD 9.40 (EUR 8.48) kg from a high of USD 15.50 (EUR 13.99) in 2013.
The elevated prices paid three years ago were mainly due to low harvests, caused by various disease outbreaks.
This year, whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) have made up 70 percent of Vietnamese exports to the U.S. market, with black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) accounting for 27 percent. However, exports of the latter increased 164 percent in the first five months of this year, making the States one of the largest consumer markets for Vietnamese black tiger shrimp.
VASEP said a “better outlook for the U.S. economy,” which has stimulated consumer spending, and lower inventories have boosted this particular shrimp trade.
According to the association, U.S. shrimp imports in the first five months of this year reached 218,480 metric tons (MT), worth almost USD 2 billion (EUR 1.8 billion) – down 1 percent in volume and 10 percent in value year-on-year.
During this period, Indonesia is the largest supplier to the U.S. market, accounting for 22.3 percent of the total trade. It was followed by India and Thailand accounting for 20.9 percent and 13 percent, respectively. Vietnam ranked fourth with a 12.4 percent market share.
