Shrimp Prices Soar as Gulf Coast Fisheries Recover from Hurricane

The prices of shrimp have increased dramatically in the last few weeks as fisheries in the Gulf Coast region begin to recover from Hurricane Michael.

Local fishermen are reporting that shrimp prices have tripled, and some are even being forced to sell their catch for below the cost of production.

Hurricane Michael caused significant damage to the region's fisheries, with reports of boats and nets lost, docks destroyed, and fish populations decimated.

The hurricane also led to a power outage at a major shrimp processing plant, which disrupted the supply chain and drove up prices.

While there is some relief in sight as the fisheries begin to recover, it will likely be several months before prices return to normal levels.

Higher Demand from China Causes shrimp Prices to Surge

A recent study published by the University of Florida found that there has been a surge in shrimp prices due to the high demand from China. The research was conducted by three professors at the university, and it showed that as China's middle class has grown, so has the demand for seafood. In particular, shrimp is a popular choice because its seen as a premium product.

The study found that between 2000 and 2016, the export value of American shrimp increased from $1.5 billion to $4.5 billion. The majority of this increase can be attributed to China's growing demand for the seafood delicacy. While America only exports around 10% of its total shrimp production, nearly half of that goes to China.

This surge in prices is causing some difficulties for American consumers, as well as retailers and restaurants. Many are struggling to keep up with the high cost of shrimp, which has caused prices to jump by as much as 25% in some cases. This is especially concerning given that shrimp is such a popular dish in America.

It's not just American shrimp that is in high demand; Chinese consumers are also buying up seafood from other countries around the world. This has caused prices for many types of seafood to rise, as suppliers are struggling to keep up with the high demand from China.

While there have been concerns about overfishing in the past, it appears that currently there is enough supply to meet current demand. However, if China's appetite for seafood continues to grow at its current rate, it could cause shortages and higher prices down the road. This would be bad news for both consumers and businesses alike

Ecuador Shrimp Exports Hit Record in First Half of 2017

Ecuador shrimp exports totaled 221,362 metric tons in the first half of 2017, up from 194,176 metric tons in the same period of 2016. This marks a new record for Ecuadorian shrimp exports. The United States was the largest market for Ecuadorian shrimp in the first half of 2017, accounting for 38 percent of total shrimp exports.

The value of Ecuadorian shrimp exports totaled $1.1 billion in the first half of 2017, up from $911 million in the same period of 2016. This marks a new record for Ecuadorian shrimp exports. The United States was the largest market for Ecuadorian shrimp in the first half of 2017, accounting for 37 percent of total shrimp exports.

The following table shows the top 10 markets for Ecuadorian shrimp in the first half of 2017:

Market metric tons value (US$)

United States 85,824 $419 million Netherlands 33,673 $211 million Spain 29,711 $193 million France 25,399 $164 million Italy 20,006 $130 million Germany 17,713 $119 million Japan 16,031 $101 million Canada 15,976 $100 million Belgium 9,146 $60 million

Source: Comtrade

Alabama Shrimp Processor Loses Battle with Foreign Competition

In a stunning turn of events, the leading shrimp processor in Alabama has announced that they will be closing their doors after decades of production. The company has cited increasing competition from foreign seafood suppliers as the reason for their closure.

This announcement comes as a heavy blow to the local economy, as the shrimp processor was one of the largest private employers in the state. Nearly 400 people are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the closure.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement expressing her disappointment in the decision and pledging to work with local officials to provide assistance to those affected by the loss of jobs.

The shrimp processor is just one of many businesses in Alabama that have been forced to close their doors in recent years due to competition from overseas. This has left many people wondering what can be done to revive the state's economy.

Some have called for more stringent trade regulations that would protect domestic businesses from unfair competition, but others argue that this would only serve to hurt consumers and further stunt economic growth.

FDA Finds Imported Farmed Shrimp Contaminated with Antibiotics

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday that they have found traces of antibiotics in shrimp imported from four different countries. The agency said that the antibiotics were not at levels that would be harmful to people, but it is still cause for concern.

The antibiotics that were found include oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, and penicillin, all of which are prohibited in U.S. aquaculture production. FDA officials said that the shrimp came from China, India, Ecuador, and Thailand.

This news comes just a few months after the FDA issued a warning about the potential dangers of consuming raw shellfish. The warning cautioned consumers about the risk of contracting vibrio bacteria from eating raw oysters and other shellfish.

This most recent finding is another reminder that imported seafood can be risky business. In light of this news, it is important for consumers to be aware of where their seafood comes from and how it is processed.

The FDA has long been concerned about the use of antibiotics in aquaculture production, especially since many of these drugs are also used in human medicine. The agency has said that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in aquaculture can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can then spread to people and animals, leading to serious health problems. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called antibiotic-resistant bacteria one of the top three health threats in the United States.

The use of antibiotics in aquaculture also contributes to the problem of antibiotic pollution. When antibiotics are used in aquaculture, they often end up in surface water and soil. This can lead to bacterial contamination in waterways and ultimately make its way into our food supply.

In light of these concerns, the FDA has called for a reduction in the use of antibiotics in aquaculture production. The agency has also urged seafood processors to verify where their seafood comes from and what kind of processing methods were used.