The fishing industry along the Tamaulipas coast in Mexico, known for its bountiful harvests of shrimp, tilapia, red snapper, and oysters, is currently exporting only 30% of its total production to the United States market. The remaining 70% is distributed within Mexico.

Exploring Expansion into International Markets

Despite the predominantly domestic sales, there is a growing interest in expanding export operations, particularly to the United States, and exploring potential marketing agreements with countries like China and Japan.

The Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture noted a positive trend in shrimp extraction, although overall production has seen a decline, particularly in oyster yields. Oyster production has plummeted from an annual 2,000 tons to just 316 tons.

Lack of Formal Export Agreements

Currently, there are no formal agreements in place for seafood exports, although efforts have been made to engage with international markets. Several ambassadors from different nations have visited Tamaulipas to explore opportunities within the region’s fishing sector.

The fishing industry in Tamaulipas boasts a sizable fleet of certified shrimp boats, ensuring compliance with international standards for sustainable fishing practices. This certification enhances the sector’s credibility and opens doors to orderly extraction activities.

Role of Fishing Cooperatives

Fishing cooperatives play a crucial role in linking local producers to international markets, particularly for high-demand species like shrimp.

Among the species harvested, shrimp remains the most sought-after commodity both domestically and internationally, highlighting its significance in the region’s fishing economy.