Thai shrimp exports rose 11% from January to October 2010

According to Thailand’s “World News” report on December 16, the chairman of the Thai Shrimp Association, Sonsa, stated that in 2010, the global shrimp production was about 2.3 million tons, which was only 6% higher than the previous year. It came from a number of shrimp producing countries. The spread of diseases and floods prompted the price of fresh shrimp to rise. It is expected that Thailand's 2010 shrimp production will be 640,000 tons, an increase of 14% year-on-year, of which white shrimp will account for 635,000 tons and the remaining 5,000 tons will be prawn. In 2010, the Thai people’s demand for white shrimp increased, and the domestic consumption increased to 5-6 million tons.

Sonsa revealed that although the Thai baht exchange rate has continued to appreciate, it is expected that Thailand's fresh shrimp will reach 400,000 tons in 2010, worth a total of 100 billion baht. In the first 10 months of 2010 (January to October), Thai shrimp exports were 350,000 tons, an increase of 11% year-on-year, with a total value of approximately 83 billion baht, an increase of 8% year-on-year. Major export markets include the United States. Japan, and the European Union.

Sonssa predicted that the output of shrimp in 2011 will be similar to that of 2010, and in order to stabilize the price of fresh shrimp, the quality of shrimp will be more important than the quantity. It is hoped that the government can strictly control the import of shrimp and prevent the spread of diseases, and at the same time build consumer confidence and boost domestic demand for fresh shrimp.

In addition, Sonssa pointed out that the price of fresh shrimp in 2011 will depend on a variety of factors. It is necessary to pay attention to whether the shrimp producing countries that have suffered losses can recover. In 2010, the domestic price of fresh shrimp was 50 bucks per kilogram, priced at 155 ounces, and 70 bucks per kilogram was priced at 125 é“¢, an increase of 20-25% year-on-year. It is expected that the selling price in 2011 will be similar to that in 2010.