Large barrel of fresh shrimp for sale by the pound on the beach in Bahia de Caraquez in Ecuador.
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During 2023, the shrimp industry experienced a decrease in its income, ailing to earn around 1.5 billion dollars this year despite closing one of its best months of December for exports.
According to data provided by the foreign trade department of the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA), these figures translate into losses exceeding 370 million dollars compared to the year 2022.
CNA has explained through a statement that the reasons for these losses are due to inflation in the global economy and the loss of purchasing power.
In addition, India and Vietnam have played very significant roles in terms of other competition markets and the price of fuels and raw materials used has increased in Ecuador.
On the other hand, the exports of shrimp reached a total of 105,696 tons, an 18% increase compared to December's exports of the previous year. This is due to the dynamism and strength of this sector that contributes to Ecuador's international trade.
Finally, the CNA has reiterated "its commitment to continue working with the public sector to explore alternatives that ensure the development of the aquaculture industry. This sector has become vital for the socio-economic stability of the country, generating over 290,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities."