Urner Barry Shrimp Week in Review.

Shrimp Week in Review

Although 26-30 count Black Tiger shrimp were firm and wanted this week, the balance of the Tiger market was barely steady. In fact some sales of 26-30 count shrimp were combined with some slower moving sizes. The undertone for the entire Tiger market is weak as overseas pricing continues to be discounted. In coming weeks that lower priced production will begin to arrive in the US which may induce a continuation of the markets´ slide.
Value-added shrimp has also been weak. The undertone for larger counts is continued weak, again based on replacement offerings.

CA & SA whites were steady this week in fair trading. However, small count whites (71-90) are barely steady as Gulf buyers stepped out of the market in favor of domestic production.
Chinese offerings of shell-on whites are increasing but for delivery in July. There appears to be some delay to their season. The reasons for the delay are unclear. There is Indonesian product currently in the market. Additional offerings of whites are noted increasing from Thailand and some from Vietnam.
Certainly whites will dominate shrimp offerings of 31-35 count and smaller shrimp while Tigers will dominate larger import offerings.

Gulf domestic production continues in Louisiana on smaller counts that are being peeled. The PUD market this week gained some stability as boat prices have firmed. The undertone for PUD´s is unsettled as some expect improved fishing with the New moon.
Shell-on shrimp, particularly browns, are full steady as inventories continue to tighten. There has been some production of spring whites Under 15 through 16-20 count.