Shrimp exporters from the main producing states in Northeast Brazil (Pernambuco, Paraíba, Bahia, and Rio Grande do Norte) traveled to Boston (USA) to participate in the biggest shellfish fair in the United States.
The international exposition, which brought together 800 companies from over 80 countries and included 1,600 stands, ended March 15.
According to the president of the Brazilian Association of Shrimp Breeders (ABCC), Itamar Rocha, the fair represents an opportunity to launch products, do business, and discuss shellfish quality standards.
He informed that the Americans are the world’s biggest shrimp buyers. “The country’s imports in 2004 attained 506 thousand tons,” he commented.
Rocha recalled that Brazilian shrimp sales to the United States in 2004 dropped from 21 thousand tons to 9 thousand tons. Earnings fell from US$ 92 million to US$ 42.3 million.
In his opinion, this decrease in sales was provoked by the antidumping suit filed against six countries, including Brazil, by American fishermen.
As a result of the suit, the American Department of Commerce clapped a 7.05% surcharge on shrimp imported from Brazil.
The Brazilian companies that participated in the fair expect to recoup the American market, starting with a 30% growth in exports this year.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil