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R. Balaji

Chennai , Feb. 3

THERE is a lull in the market for black tiger shrimps with US buyers preferring to await further developments in the anti-dumping case pending with the US Department of Commerce.

The dip in activity is expected to continue for some time with the industry gearing up for the February 17 hearing by the US International Trade Commission on the anti-dumping suit filed by the shrimp producers there. The commission is expected to determine if their industry has suffered due to shrimp imports.

The Indian industry is approaching the Centre for funding assistance to meet the expenses in the anti-dumping case.

With the US out of the market for the present, shrimp processors are looking to Japan for business. Black tiger prices range around $ 10.60-10.80 a kg for 16/20 counts. Some contracts have been concluded for Japan but the buying is sporadic, say packers.

The Japanese buyers prefer processors in Tamil Nadu and are even offering 50 cents higher as compared to processors in Bimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, where they have quality-related problems. The muddy smell emanating from processed shrimps continues in some pockets of Andhra Pradesh.

So stocks farther away from Andhra Pradesh, such as from processors in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, are preferred. Japan is also likely to tighten up its quality standards and business with them is not expected to be as smooth sailing as it was two or three years ago, say processors.

The industry is taking consolation that the anti-dumping issue has come up during the off-season. Shrimp production is at a low in most areas on the east coast and farms are expected to commence stocking after the cold spell passes. That leaves at least another two or three months before shrimp arrivals commence.

More Stories on : Aquaculture | Anti-dumping

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