Aquaculture farmers are demanding that the federal government address their concerns and take action against shrimp imports from Ecuador, India, and Indonesia.
Aquaculture farmers from Sinaloa, Sonora, and Nayarit demonstrated in the port of Mazatlán, demanding that the federal government impose countervailing duties on shrimp imports and take decisive action to stop the illegal entry of this product into Mexico—problems they say are severely impacting the sector.
The group, comprised of approximately 300 aquaculture producers and workers, marched along Camarón Sábalo Avenue, in the heart of the tourist zone, starting at the El Faro Hotel and concluding at the facilities of the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (Conapesca).
During the protest, the demonstrators stated that the massive influx of imported and smuggled shrimp has jeopardized the economic viability of domestic aquaculture farms.
Carlos Urías Espinoza, president of the National Council of Shrimp Aquaculture Producers (Conpac), stated that the sector faces numerous difficulties, though he emphasized that the main problems are imports and smuggling of the crustacean.
“We want countervailing duties imposed on shrimp imports to Mexico; that’s one point. And the other is that there really needs to be serious and firm action to combat smuggling. Those are the two main issues.”
The leader explained that Mexican producers cannot compete on equal terms with countries where aquaculture receives substantial government subsidies, particularly for inputs such as energy, which significantly reduces their production costs.
“It’s half or less of what we pay. We can’t compete against that. It’s unfair competition.”
Urías Espinoza added that shrimp smuggling is a crime that should be prosecuted ex officio; however, he asserted that in practice this does not happen, since in cities like Culiacán and Mazatlán, shrimp illegally imported from countries such as Ecuador, India, and Indonesia is sold.
Aquaculture farmers are demanding that the federal government address their concerns and take action against these problems.
Urías Espinoza stated that he cannot continue to allow these practices, as the aquaculture sector is increasingly depleted.
Source: Revista Espejo
