Ecuadorian shrimp farmers are grappling with an overproduction crisis, leading them to seek new markets for their excess stock at reduced prices. Efforts to offload their shrimp to the U.S. and Mexico have been met with rejection, leaving Ecuadorian shrimp farmers with dwindling options. The Mexican and U.S. governments have turned down their offers, exacerbating the crisis in Ecuador’s shrimp farming industry.

Biological Threats and Economic Concerns

The proposed solution of exporting this surplus to Brazil has raised significant concerns. Brazilian shrimp farmers, particularly in the Jaguaribe region, are voicing their opposition due to the biological risks associated with Ecuadorian shrimp. The Ecuadorian product is known to carry over 10 diseases, some of which are not present in Brazil. This poses a severe threat to Brazil’s shrimp industry, which is already managing outbreaks of diseases such as white spot, thanks to rigorous control measures by companies like Samaria from Ceará.

In addition to biological concerns, the economic impact of accepting low-priced Ecuadorian shrimp is a major issue. Brazilian shrimp farmers fear that such imports could lead to substantial financial losses, undercutting their prices and jeopardizing their livelihoods.

Protests in Ceará

In response to these concerns, a major protest is set to take place on August 17 in Limoeiro do Norte, organized by the Ceará Association of Shrimp Farmers (ACCC) and Camarão BR, a leading organization of Brazilian shrimp farmers. Hundreds of local shrimp farmers from the Jaguaribe region are expected to participate.

Amílcar Silveira, president of the Agriculture and Livestock Federation (Faec), has expressed strong support for the protest, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding Brazilian shrimp farming from both economic and biological threats.

The Broader Implications

The situation underscores a critical juncture for the shrimp farming industry in Brazil and Ecuador. As Ecuadorian shrimp farmers struggle with overproduction and seek new markets, the potential repercussions for Brazilian shrimp producers are significant. The protests in Ceará illustrate the broader challenges facing the industry, including maintaining market stability and managing biological risks.