Thailand Shrimp Market Update : January 31, 2017
According to sources including shrimp suppliers, total Thailand shrimp production nationwide in 2016 was 300,000 MT. It would have been higher however, during November and December 2016, several shrimp farming areas were severely affected by “EHP”. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a microsporidian parasite and only spreads out from shrimp to shrimp via oral route (eat and swallow). It weakens shrimp antibodies.
It is also expected that EHP will continue to impact Thailand shrimp production during Q1 2017. Production forecast for Thailand for full year 2017 is expected to be similar to 2016, about is 300,000 MT.
Currently, prices from Thailand shrimp suppliers are more expensive than shrimp suppliers from other origins on all sizes, due to the current shortage. Several major packers still have pending orders until at least early to mid-March.
We do not expect any improvements on production until at least late April.