Department of Fisheries doubles shrimp exports

The Department of Fisheries has turned a crisis into an opportunity by doubling shrimp export targets using exemplary Thai health standards to export more shrimp in order to counter the loss of fishery profits from rising oil prices.

Mr. Jaranthada Kantsuit (จรัลธาดา กรรณสูต), the director-general of fisheries, revealed that even though Thailand has been hit hard by rising oil prices, and inflation rates, the nation is still ahead of China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh due to trust by its consumer markets in Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Mr. Jaranthada stated that shrimp companies are taking advantage of the situation by increasing exports to consumer nations while demand is still high.

Mr. Jaranthada added that even with rising oil costs, the doubling of shrimp exports will more than compensate the industry.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 May 2006

Annual exports of fresh chilled shrimp will be increased to 30,000 tons

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is planning to double annual fresh chilled shrimp exports from 15,000 tons to 30,000 tons.

Fisheries Department chief Charanthada Kannasuta (จรัลธาดา กรรณสูต) said despite effects from soaring oil prices and interest rates, Thailand’s shrimp exports still have an advantage over competitors such as China, Viet Nam and Bangladesh, because major importers trust in the country’s food safety standards.

Mr. Charanthada said that since expensive oil prices have caused a rise in production costs of frozen shrimp, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry will make up by promoting exports of fresh chilled shrimp to major buyers like South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

The export volume to those markets should be increased from 15,000 tons to 30,000 tons per year, he added.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 May 2006

I think Thai shrimp STILL gets preferential treatment in the USA