Internationa trade

Peckham, C.J.

Internationa trade

Autores

Peckham, C.J.

Editor

FAO ;

Descripción

Shrimp is a relatively recent (since World War II) commodity in the world trade of seafood products but has become one of the most important in terms of value, production growth and potential. Shrimp, or prawns as they are sometimes known, may be separated into two basic categories: the tropical or warm-water varieties and the temperate or cold-water species. The tropical shrimp are the principal species harvested and desired in the world market. Major commercial fisheries for tropical shrimp ar e found in shallow coastal areas near large estuaries and river delta systems. The most prevalent means of capture is the otter trawl. Little processing is necessary as a large share of the shrimp catch passes through world trade in a frozen raw headless condition. World landings of shrimp have increased nearly every year since the mid-1950. From 1960 to 1969, world production increased from 501,000 tons to 840,000 tons or over 65%. Tropical shrimp accounted for over 90% of the total catch in 19 69 and the United States was the leading producer. The world trade in shrimp flows almost entirely into two markets, the United States and Japan. Together, in 1969, they utilized about half of the world's total catch and each year their usage increases. The United States is the major market for shrimp and consumes nearly one-third of the world's annual production. The United States market depends heavily on imports which supply over half the total needs. Annual usage, since 1962, has increased a t a rate of 11,700 tons per year while the per capita consumption has increased a little over .04 kg per year. Japan, the other major consuming nation, utilizes nearly 20% of the world's total patch and depends on foreign sources for over half the annual requirements. Usage has gone up at a rate of 8.000 tons per year since 1960, while per capita consumption has increased by .07 kilograms per year. The price of shrimp depends upon several factors: the size (large shrimp bring higher prices), the season of the year, and demand, which is directly affected by available supply. The world demand for shrimp continues to rise and, therefore, is able to absorb the increasing catches made each year. Population growth, increasing per capita consumption, rising purchase power and greater consumer acceptance of shrimp products are pushing demand upward in the major shrimp markets. The demand for shrimp, for the next several years, will be greater than the expansion or development of new sources of supply and production during this time will find a ready market for quality shrimp. Most of the existing shrimp fisheries in the Indian Ocean region are potentially capable of withstanding added expansion at this time.