Philippines Seeks to Overturn US Shrimp Importation Ban

The Philippine government is actively pursuing the removal of a provisional prohibition by the United States on the import of shrimp products from the Philippines. Spearheaded by Bianca Pearl Sykimte, the Director of the Export Marketing Bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), there has been a concerted effort involving the DTI’s commercial and agricultural attaches in the US. These officials are working closely with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and a dialogue has been arranged with their American counterparts to find a swift resolution to this trade impasse.

Statistics from the DTI indicate that the Philippines exported a significant quantity of shrimp and prawns to the US last year, totaling 3.21 million kilograms or approximately P895.76 million in value. Despite being a relatively small fraction of the country’s overall export portfolio, the prohibition impacts the Philippines’ ability to access one of its key markets for agricultural produce, especially for ancillary products like shrimp paste.

The ban was instituted following concerns raised by the US government regarding the environmental impact of certain commercial fishing technologies employed in shrimp harvesting, which are believed to harm turtles. As a result, the DTI has cautioned Philippine shrimp exporters against sending their goods to the US until the issue has been adequately addressed, to prevent their products from being detained by the US Customs and Border Protection.

Local exporters facing challenges due to this temporary embargo are encouraged to liaise directly with BFAR for assistance and further guidance on navigating the current situation.