U.S. Gulf shrimp supplies falling, prices rising

Supplies of domestic Gulf shrimp are tightening and prices are climbing but still aren’t ideal, according to one Louisiana supplier.

 

That’s a turnaround from earlier this year, when Gulf shrimp processors had more than enough shrimp but were receiving less than satisfactory prices.

 

“In terms of prices it’s been awful. Prices have been terrible,” said the supplier. “They seem to have increased some from the summer simply because of supply and demand. We’re entering a period now where our season’s winding down and ending, so the availability isn’t there. So obviously prices have ticked up a bit.”

 

Whether prices will stay up is difficult to say, as imports are still pounding the industry, added the processor.

 

 

In the first 10 months of this year, the Gulf states landed a total of 114.6 million pounds of shrimp, compared to 81.7 million pounds during the same period in 2008, reported NMFS.

 

Currently, shell-on, head-off Gulf browns are wholesaling at about USD 4.10 for 16-20s, USD 3.60 for 21-25s, USD 3.40 for 25-30s and USD 3.15 for 31-35s. Shell-on, head-off Gulf whites are tagged at about USD 4.50 for 16-20s, USD 3.85 for 21-25s, USD 3.40 for 26-30s and USD 3.15 for 31-35s.