Ecuador’s shrimp exports to China fell 20% to 39,000 tons in April due to COVID-19, according to data from Ecuador’s National Aquaculture Association (Cámara Nacional de Acuacultura).
But lower sales to China were offset by increased exports to the US and Europe market, which helped keep Ecuador’s overall monthly export level at 83,000 tons, up 9% compared to April 2021. Continued price increases have boosted the value of Ecuador’s shrimp exports, up 33% year-on-year to US$539 million.
‡Exports to China have been hit by strict lock down in major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, as well as import management by Chinese customs, causing Ecuador’s April shipments to China to fall to the lowest level since October last year.
However, compared to March, exports to the US and Europe rose by 27% and 25% to 18,800 and 17,800 tons respectively, showing that Ecuador’s diversification strategy has paid off.
Meanwhile, the average unit value of exports held steady at $6.51 per kilo in April, unchanged from the previous month. But compared to April 2021, the value is up 22%.
