New Horizons for Black Tiger Shrimp Exports

Bangladeshi shrimp sector, long recognized for producing premium-quality black tiger shrimp (locally known as “Bagda”), has captured the interest of Chinese investors. Notably, Cheng Ma, co-founder of Dhaka-Taka (Beijing) Trading Corporation Ltd., is spearheading this interest, with plans to invest in shrimp farming and processing. This collaboration could enhance shrimp exports from Bangladesh to meet the growing demand in China, where consumers spend approximately $2 billion on black tiger shrimp annually.

During his recent visit to Khulna, a prominent shrimp-producing region, Cheng Ma observed local farmers using natural feeding methods and traditional lunar cycles to raise shrimp, distinguishing Bangladeshi black tiger shrimp as a premium product in the global market. He aims to modernize local shrimp farming with technology like solar-powered stations, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs for Bangladeshi farmers.

Expanding Production and Export Potential

Bangladesh’s shrimp industry plays a pivotal role in its economy, with around 180,000 hectares dedicated to shrimp farming, primarily in the southern region. Currently, 59% of Bangladesh’s shrimp exports are destined for the European Union, but the duty-free access to China is expected to boost overall exports and expand market diversification for Bangladeshi shrimp.

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has highlighted the increasing global footprint of Bangladesh’s shrimp sector, driven by quality processing facilities across the country, including 40 hatcheries in Cox’s Bazar and 24 shrimp processing plants nationwide. The anticipated rise in exports will not only strengthen Bangladesh’s economy but also create enhanced employment opportunities for local communities dependent on shrimp farming.

Heritage Certification and Sustainable Development

In 2022, Bangladesh achieved heritage certification for black tiger shrimp, underscoring its premium status on the international market. This certification complements efforts to position Bangladeshi shrimp as a top choice for global consumers, especially with growing demand in China. However, attaining premium pricing will require adherence to traceability standards, sustainable farming practices, and eco-friendly processing methods to ensure minimal environmental impact.

Dual Paths for Bangladesh’s Shrimp Industry

As Bangladesh’s shrimp industry grows, stakeholders are considering two paths: expanding production of Vannamei shrimp for volume or focusing on Monodon shrimp as a high-value, natural product. The decision will significantly impact future trade dynamics, environmental sustainability, and market positioning in the global seafood sector. Industry experts emphasize the need for close collaboration between policymakers, investors, and development partners to maximize the sector’s potential.

The post China’s duty-free access for Bangladeshi Black Tiger Shrimp promises major boost for the sector appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Chinese private investors are keen to establish seafood processing factories in Bangladesh, focusing on processing and exporting marine fish to China. These processing units would help expand Bangladesh’s seafood exports, catering to China’s growing demand for high-quality seafood.

Apart from marine fish, Ambassador Yao Wen highlighted China’s interest in shrimp, crabs, mud eels (kuchia), jute, jute products, and mangoes from Bangladesh, emphasizing the significant demand for these items in Chinese markets.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar praised the increasing cooperation between the two nations, stating that the partnership could potentially secure duty-free access for Bangladeshi products in China, opening doors to substantial trade opportunities. Both sides agreed to work closely on shared interests, particularly in the areas of trade and agriculture.

Key officials at the meeting included Syed Mahmud Belal Haider, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, ATM Mustafa Kamal, Additional Secretary, Md Tofazzel Hossain, Additional Secretary, along with senior representatives from the Chinese Embassy.

This collaboration marks a promising step towards strengthening the seafood processing industry in Bangladesh, paving the way for expanded export potential and enhanced economic ties between the two nations.

The post Chinese investors are interested in seafood processing industry of Bangladesh: A growing opportunity appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

In North China, the saline-alkaline ecosystem, or salt desert, is an area where soil is severely salinized, resulting in extremely low vegetation cover due to severely salinized soil. Due to shallow groundwater levels and high atmospheric evaporation, the saline-alkaline desert ecosystem has suffered from severe secondary salinization, resulting in salt crusts and salt encrustations on the surface of the soil.

As a result of this dry continental climate and extreme temperature variations throughout the year, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region isn’t usually considered to be an ideal aquacultural region. Because, in shrimp farms, saline-alkaline poses many challenges due to its negative effects.

One of the trickiest issues has turned out to be maintaining the ponds’ salinity levels in the saline-alkali soil. Salinity is a sensitive factor for shrimp farming and excessive salinity can cause them stress or even death. The alkaline soil can also have a detrimental effect on shrimp pond water quality. Shrimps are stressed when their alkalinity is reduced.

Additionally, regulating water quality indicators like pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia levels can be difficult in saline-alkali regions.

Although extreme salinity disrupts both aquaculture and agriculture and makes it difficult to perform in this region, some have already overcome this situation.

In Duguitala Town of Hangjin Banner in the city of Ordos, several greenhouses are situated in an area of saline soil. They produce Whiteleg shrimp instead of crops, vegetables, or cows.

Shrimp farming in Ordos was carried out by about 40 aquaculturists and companies in 2022, with a total output of 350 tonnes and a value of $2.72 million.

The shrimp raised here are now exported not only to Inner Mongolia, but also to Shaanxi Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and even Chongqing Municipality in southwest China.

A number of innovative steps were taken by the farmers here in order to farm shrimp. The farmers desalinate the shrimp seedlings for about seven days before raising them in local waters. With this method, the cost has been cut in half while the chance of survival of shrimp larvae has increased to over 80%.

In order to reduce alkalinity, farmers also add microbes to shrimp feed to supplement potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements. During breeding, heavy metals and harmful microorganisms are removed from the water and the pH is frequently measured.

By optimizing the recycling model, farmers maximized the use of water resources. During the following year, repurposed shrimp water will be used to breed fish, and water from previously diverted water will be used to raise shrimp.

There is a lot of potential for shrimp cultivation in saline-alkaline land. A huge amount of saline-alkali land is available for the development of prawn farming in Ordos, which is about 28,000 hectares in size.

Also, the Shanxi Province has developed shrimp farming successfully, bringing wealth to its residents. Aquatic product dealers from neighboring provinces like Shaanxi and Henan come here to purchase Whiteleg shrimp from Xikaizhang village, Kaizhang township, Yongji city of Shanxi.

The expert also claims that in terms of size, protein content, etc., shrimp raised in saline-alkaline water are equivalent with those produced in seawater. It is therefore important to take this type of farming seriously in order to prove its potential in the future.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

The post Shrimp farming takes root on saline-alkali soil appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

In August 2023, Japan started putting some of the Fukushima water that had been piling up at the plant into the Pacific Ocean. They had stored this water since 2011 when a big tsunami damaged the plant. China got angry and banned all Japanese seafood imports, and they kept this ban even though Japan said it was safe.

Russia, who doesn’t have a great relationship with Japan, is thinking about doing the same seafood ban. In the first release, they let out about 7,800 tonnes of water, but there’s still a lot more to go—like filling over 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Japan says they cleaned the water to remove harmful stuff, except for tritium, which is safe in small amounts. The United Nations agrees with Japan on this.

China says Japan is treating the sea like a garbage dump, and they got support from the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands at the United Nations.

The big plan here is to make room for removing the dangerous radioactive materials from the damaged reactors. Japan says they will keep an eye on the tritium levels and share scientific information with the public.

Even though China said no to Japanese seafood, there are reports that Chinese fishing boats are still catching fish in the same areas where Japanese boats work. The US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, shared pictures of Chinese boats doing this.

As Japan moves ahead with its plan to release more Fukushima wastewater, it faces criticism from other countries and a challenge to make sure it’s not harming the environment. This decision will have a lasting impact on Japan’s relations with its neighbors and how it deals with the Fukushima nuclear disaster’s aftermath.

The post Japan is up for releasing second batch of Fukushima nuclear waste water next week appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Kishida expressed his commitment to devising these measures, taking into account the various viewpoints he had gathered from the fishing industry during his visit. The requested support encompasses assistance for fishing companies in exploring new sales opportunities and engaging in discussions with China.

The ban imposed by China on Japanese seafood products came as a response to Japan’s release of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. This ban has had significant repercussions on Japan’s fishing industry, as China is its largest trading partner.

To alleviate the industry’s challenges, the Tokyo government has established two funds, totaling 80 billion yen (equivalent to US $548 million), with the aim of developing new sales channels and storing surplus fish until demand rebounds, among other initiatives. Earlier, officials had denied the possibility of implementing additional fiscal measures to support the industry.

In 2022, over 700 Japanese companies exported approximately $600 million worth of aquatic products to China, making it the largest market for Japanese exports in this category, with Hong Kong following suit by announcing its ban on seafood imports from ten Japanese regions in response to the Fukushima incident.

Japan’s Fisheries Minister, Tetsuro Nomura, disclosed plans to diversify Japan’s fish exports, particularly for products heavily dependent on the Chinese market, such as scallops. In 2022, more than half of Japan’s scallop exports were directed to China.

Additionally, some Japanese officials have indicated the possibility of diplomatic actions to urge China to lift the ban, asserting that it lacks a scientific basis. This could include filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The post Japan’s PM assures aid for fishing sector after China imposes seafood ban appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Mr. Truong Dinh Hoe, the General Secretary of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), commented on China’s import ban, emphasizing its psychological impact. Despite the absence of scientific evidence confirming that the treated wastewater from Japan’s nuclear facilities poses a threat to human health, the Chinese public might exhibit reluctance in consuming seafood, even domestically caught, from areas near Japan. Consequently, China’s demand for imported seafood, including from nations like Vietnam, could decrease due to this apprehension. The cautious sentiment extends to South Korea as well, where consumers are hesitant to consume locally caught seafood in proximity to Japan’s wastewater discharge zones.

The repercussions of Japan’s actions are reflected in reduced or ban on seafood imports from Japan by both China and Korea. These countries are compelled by market dynamics to seek alternative sources for their seafood supply, potentially turning to nations like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Given China’s substantial population, any disruption in seafood supply prompts a shift to alternative sourcing, opening up a favorable opportunity for Vietnam to emerge as a prominent seafood supplier in the region, capitalizing on China’s suspension of Japanese seafood imports.

The post China ban on seafood from Japan can be an opportunity for Vietnam appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

The booming Chinese seafood sector provides enormous prospects for international seafood producers. Growing Chinese consumer demand and limited domestic production and fishing in Chinese seas have resulted in a rise in Chinese seafood imports year after year.

According to official Chinese data, seafood consumption is not evenly distributed throughout China. Consumption is strong along the eastern coasts such as Fujian, Hainan, and Shanghai where per capita seafood intake reaches 25 kg in regions. However, consumption is low on inland areas due to a lack of refrigeration for transportation.

As the demand for fresh fish in suburban China grows, some inland towns have seized the opportunity by establishing seafood farms in urban regions rather than conventional coastal areas. The trend might have profound implications for the development of the seafood industry. Several factors drive this effort.

One main reason is that fresh shrimp are difficult to get in inland city seafood markets in the afternoon.

Zhou Mi, a seafood store owner in Wuhan, said that “This seafood is brought from coastal areas such as Guangdong and Hainan. It takes considerable time to deliver. They will only remain alive here for a short period.”

“By the time shrimp arrive at the market, they have often journeyed thousands of kilometers, and seafood distributors must deal with them in less than a half-day. Unlike fish or shellfish, which may remain in a tank for at least two days, seafood store operators must take greater risks when stocking shrimp,” he added.

Chen Qi, a Seafood Seller, said: “We don’t keep these shrimp till late in the afternoon since they rapidly die. Otherwise, we are going to suffer financial losses.”

“If the seafood can be grown locally, the cost will be lower. It would be fantastic if everyone could eat shrimp on a daily basis, just as they can eat vegetables.” he added.

Chen Zhiguo, Wuhan Ocean Star Co., Ltd.’s deputy manager, said: ” We can grow shrimp here all year. Furthermore, by utilizing extra power from the local plant, we may drastically cut our operational expenses while increasing our earnings.”

“With local government funding, this type of seafood farming will become more popular in the next years. On the other hand, merchants can bring fresh fish closer to customers,” he added.

Cao Guangfa, a shrimp breeding technician of Wuhan Ocean Star Co., Ltd, said: “The shrimp require a temperature range of 26 to 29 degrees for optimal growth. Saltwater is brought in from coastal regions like Shandong and Shanghai. The farm automates production using feeding equipment and algorithms. This is the largest factory in China‘s southeast area.”

“The shrimp seeds were just two millimeters long when they came to the farm. They are now as large as my hand after being reared here for two months, and you will find them at those seafood stores and on your dinner table in less than a week,” he added.

According to the authority, some larger and more diversified indoor fish farms are in construction, which means that several varieties of locally farmed seafood may soon be delivered to the door on the same day.

Inland Seafood is devoted to providing consumers with a constant supply of high-quality food that is transparent, traceable, sourced from well-managed farms and fisheries, and produced and harvested responsibly. Therefore, it is hoped that this type of farms may help reduce the environmental impact of traditional ocean-based aquaculture practices.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

The post Inland and indoor seafood farms are gaining popularity in China appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Le Ba Anh, Deputy Director of the Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), said that MARD has been working with China on food safety control with aquatic goods since 2004. The two parties maintain the registration of seafood export businesses. Currently, China recognizes 802 Vietnamese seafood exporting businesses, and Vietnam has also recognized 780 Chinese seafood exporting businesses.

Anh says that China’s zero COVID policy made it hard for Vietnam to export high-value marine products, like crabs, lobsters, vannamei and black tiger shrimp. When China opens the market, the prices of goods will go up significantly.

China’s opening will make more restaurants available, which will increase demand for expensive seafood.

Additionally, China will eliminate the COVID-19 inspection procedures, which would make seafood exports more available.

Le Hang, director of communications for the Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said that in 2023, China would be the most attractive market for Vietnamese seafood exporters due to solid demand, proximity, and lower logistical costs and risks compared to other destinations.

The COVID-19 epidemic will make it hard for Chinese raw material sources to meet demand when China opens, according to Hang.

Pangasius will be more profitable than shrimp in Vietnam’s export products, according to Hang. Vietnamese companies already have commercial ties with Chinese partners. In the case of political unrest, Vietnamese pangasius can make up for the shortage of imported white fish from its eastern EU neighbor.

Additionally, Chinese consumers prefer pangasius and other freshwater fish over tilapia, which allows Vietnamese companies to increase exports.

The VASEP estimates that Viet Nam exported fish worth $785 million in December 2022. That’s down 13% from the same time in 2021. However, the fish business reached $11 billion in 2022. That’s up about 24% compared to 2021. The consistent development in the year’s first ten months is to be credited for this increase.

Exports fell in December, but there was a 17% increase in shipments to mainland China and Hong Kong. This is positive news and shows that the markets are improving. In 2022, the seafood sector in Vietnam earned more than $1.8 billion from the Chinese and Hong Kong markets, an increase of 59%.

Exports to ASEAN countries maintained positive growth of 27% till December, with the market contributing $790 million to Vietnam’s seafood industry for the whole of 2022.

Exports to the US fell the most in December, with a 40% decrease. Nevertheless, exports increased by 5% in 2022 to $2.1 billion. Additionally, exports to the EU fell 32% in December, bringing the overall export value to the market, close to $1.3 billion, an increase of 20% from 2021.

Vietnam‘s seafood export revenue is declining because of the global economic downturn and high inflation. Experts expect exports to improve in the year’s second half, but it will take a long time for the market to recover. As a result, Vietnam’s seafood export revenue may fall and might be less than $10 billion in 2023.

Tariq Iqbal
Khulna, Bangladesh

The post China to assist Vietnamese seafood export thrive in 2023 appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

In September, China emerged as the largest buyer of Vietnam origin seafood, with expenditures of around $146.3 million, marking a substantial increase of 117.6% compared to the same period last year and surpassing the United States as Vietnam’s top customer for the month. Simultaneously, exports to Japan reached $142 million, which is over 90% higher than figures from the same period in 2021.

However, seafood exports to the United States declined by 9.6% in September. Up to September, Vietnam had earned $8.49 billion from seafood exports, reflecting a 37.3% increase compared to the same period in 2021.

Despite the recent slowdown in seafood exports to the U.S. over the past few months, the United States remains the largest customer for Vietnamese fish and shrimp in the first three quarters of 2022. The U.S. purchased approximately $1.77 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood, an increase of 21.7% compared to the same period last year. Japan ranked as the second-largest importer, accounting for nearly $1.27 billion worth of imports, a 32.8% increase, while China secured the third position with imports valued at USD 1.21 billion, marking an 85% growth.

Experts predict that in the final quarter of the year, exports will likely maintain a growth rate of over 15% compared to the same period last year. Exports to China, Japan, and Korea are expected to offset the decline in exports to the U.S.

Trương Đình Hòe, the General Secretary of VASEP (Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers), anticipates that China will open its market by the end of the year after implementing the Zero-COVID policy, leading to stable growth in exportation in 2023.

The post China rapidly increases seafood purchase from Vietnam appeared first on Seafood Network BD.