The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) has unveiled promising figures for Mexico’s shrimp industry during the current Lent season. According to recent reports, the country boasted a substantial production of marine and aquaculture shrimp, totaling a remarkable 243,400 tons by the end of 2023. This surge in production amounted to a staggering value of 23.8 billion pesos (USD 1.42 billion).

Mexico Ranks High Globally

Mexico’s shrimp production in 2023 not only secured its position as a significant contributor to Latin America’s shrimp market but also elevated its global standing. Preliminary data from the fishing and aquaculture sector reveals that Mexico now holds the prestigious title of the second-largest producer of shrimp in Latin America and ranks seventh worldwide.

Sader’s report highlights a commendable growth trajectory in Mexico’s shrimp production. Over the span of 2019 to the close of 2023, the production of this coveted crustacean, belonging to the caridea family and adaptable to both fresh and saltwater environments, experienced a notable increase of 4.9 percent.

Breakdown of Production Sources

Delving deeper into the statistics provided by the national fishing and aquaculture subsector, it is evident that both high seas and coastal regions play pivotal roles in Mexico’s shrimp production landscape.

• High Seas Capture: A significant portion of Mexico’s shrimp production, amounting to over 50,800 tons, was attributed to high seas capture. This segment boasted a substantial value of 4 billion pesos (USD 238.28 million). Within this category, 20,600 tons were harvested, amounting to a value exceeding 1.8 billion pesos (USD 107.23 million).
• Coastal Production: Coastal regions contributed significantly to Mexico’s shrimp output, accounting for 30,200 tons, with a corresponding revenue of two thousand 200 million pesos (USD 131.13 million).

Aquaculture Production Surpasses Expectations

The aquaculture sector proved to be a powerhouse in Mexico’s shrimp industry, recording a harvest of 192,600 tons. This segment boasted an economic value exceeding 19.8 billion pesos (USD 1.18 billion), showcasing the remarkable potential of aquaculture in meeting the growing demand for shrimp.