Despite a decline in its rate of growth, due mainly to trade restrictions imposed by the United States on Brazilian shrimp producers, Brazil’s fish and seafood exports increased 2.07% in 2004 in comparison with 2003.
Disregarding the figures for shrimp exports, Brazilian fish and seafood exports rose 19.77% over the period.
Various Brazilian business missions were organized by the Special Presidential Secretariat of Aquiculture and Fishing to promote Brazilian fish abroad.
As a result, the impact of the American actions against Brazilian shrimp was mitigated, and new markets were opened, principally in Europe.
Among the outstanding export items are tilapia, lobster, shellfish, and fish filets in general.
Revenues from shrimp exports fell 10% in relation to last year, from US$ 244.8 million to US$ 219.3 million.
The alternative discovered by Brazilian entrepreneurs was to sell their products to Europe and Asia. Exports to these regions rose approximately 20%.
For 2005, the government expects shrimp sales to grow at least 20%. One of the factors that will contribute to this increase is the lack of shrimp in the Asian countries struck by the tsunami at the end of last year.
Translation: David Silberstein
ABr