Tom Seaman, Jeanine Stewart, Matt Whittaker – UNDERCURRENT NEWS

Undercurrent News is in Boston, Massachusetts reporting live from the Seafood Expo North America trade show, held from March 15-17.

Even though global shrimp prices are trending down and some feel they will come down more, Thailand needs to produce as much possible, said Siam Canadian Group managing director, Jim Gulkin.

Thailand produced 200,000 metric tons last year, compared to levels of as much as 650,000t before early mortality syndrome (EMS) decimated production.

There are various forecasts being made for Thai shrimp production in 2015, from Thai Union Frozen Products stating 250,000t to the Thai government’s bullish outlook of between 350,000t-400,000t.

Despite the progress being made in farming by EMS-hit Thais, Gulkin sees 400,000t as too bullish.

“I would be very happy to see 300,000t. I don’t think 400,000t is realistic,” he said.

He is not worried about bigger volumes bringing down prices, in fact, the industry needs cheaper raw material to get back in the game said Gulkin.

“That would be ok, Thailand needs a big drop in price to get back in the game. So, 300,000t or 400,000t would be great. The plants need to have enough supply so that anyone can access raw material and get market share back.”

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