Shrimp Exports Generate $ 175 Million

Weather conditions during the last quarter of this year will boost production and, therefore, the export value will be higher than that recorded in 2011 (160.9 million), reports ElHeraldo.

Domestic production will range between 60 and 70 million pounds, distributed among 239 farms built on 17.625 acres.

Under that scenario, the packing plants expect export volumes to range between 50 and 55 million pounds. Currency generated will reach $ 175 million.

From January to June 2012, Honduras exported 10.9 million pounds, valued at 34.2 million dollars, with a price of $ 3.10 per pound. For the second half of this harvest is expected that the export volume can range from 40 to 45 million pounds, and that in the months of July, August, September, October and November is when reporting higher production.

The foreign exchange earned will range between 140 and 155 million, with an estimated price between $3.10 and $3.30 per pound.

At harvest 2011, floods caused by heavy rains at the beginning of October caused enormous damage in the production of shrimp, mainly in Marcovia. Also, in recent years, the domestic industry of shrimp farming has been affected by funding problems, diseases such as Taura syndrome and Mancha Blanca, and the global economic downturn, particularly in the United States and the European Union, which are the major destinations.

The main destinations for Honduran shrimp are the US, Germany, Holland, Spain, France and Taiwan. In Central America, El Salvador is the largest importer. Mexico is the last country that has been added to the list of countries importing shrimp harvested in the southern region.