In Spain, France and the UK import prices have been stable. Prices for imported shrimp have declined in Italy and Germany, according to the report. Globefish estimates that the trends will continuefor the rest of the year, giving price stability for food processors.
Germany and Italy fastest growing import markets for shrimps while French and UK volume imports are stable compared to 2004. There has been an increase in imports to Europe from Asiancountries, notably from China and Vietnam.
There has been a four per cent decline in the volume of Spanish imports so far this year. Despite the volume decline Spain remains Europe's top importer of shrimp.
There has been a significant jump in shrimp imports from China to Spain with the easing of EU restrictions on trade to the Asian country. Meanwhile French shrimp imports in the first half of thisyear have been similar to the record levels achieved in 2004.
Brazil is the leading supplier of frozen shrimps to France, despite a decline in imports from the South American country. France has turned to imports from Ecuador, Indonesia and India to make upthe difference.
Iceland remains the leading shrimp supplier to the UK despite a sharp decline in volume in the first half of the year. UK companies made up the difference by increasing imports from India,Bangladesh, Denmark and Indonesia. UK shrimp imports are up slightly over the first half of last year.
In Italy the volume of shrimp imports rose by five per cent in the first half of the year. The statistics indicate that Ecuador has consolidated its position as the leading frozen shrimp supplierto the country. Imports from Ecuador have risen sharply over the period, while those from other countries have mostly declined. Prices continue to fall for Italy's frozen shrimp importers.
Germany increased its shrimp imports by 16 per cent during the same comparison periods, with India as its main source. Import costs have fallen by an average of eight per cent.