Belize Shrimp Scores Big with Taiwan Export Deal

It’s a big win for Belize’s shrimp industry, and it could be the start of something huge. Belize has signed an export agreement with Taiwan, opening the door for local shrimp producers to tap into one of the world’s largest shrimp markets. It’s a breakthrough for an industry that’s been slowly bouncing back after years of setbacks. But can Belize’s private sector keep up with the demand and deliver high volumes consistently? News Five’s Paul Lopez takes a closer look at what this deal means and whether our producers are ready to rise to the challenge.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Ten years ago, things took a nosedive when a viral infection called Early Mortality Syndrome devastated shrimp farms across the country. Production hit rock bottom, and the industry struggled to stay afloat. But fast forward to 2023, and there’s been a turnaround. Thanks to new sanitation technology that clears out harmful organic material, farms have been able to fight back against the disease, and it’s working. Now, there’s even more good news. Taiwan, a country that spends three hundred and forty-nine million U.S. dollars every year on shrimp imports, has officially opened its market to Belize. Alvin Henderson, Managing Director at Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm, says this is a game-changer for the entire economy.

 

On the Phone: Alvin Henderson, Managing Director, Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm

“Taiwan is a coveted market. While it is a very sophisticated market and the standards are stringent, it is a very well paying market and for those who enjoy FDA status, as we do now under this agreement, it opens a very big market for us. So, this is not a small matter, it is a very big matter. I think it is particularly critical because it is very important leg we need as we push for industry recovery.”

 

The recent export agreement comes after a Foreign Affairs delegation travelled to Taiwan. Senior Trade Economist, Berisford Codd was a part of the team.

 

Berisford Codd, Senior Trade Economist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“In 2014 we were around ninety million dollars in exports, significant production around different operations around the country. That number has fallen off significantly. We are usually anywhere between two to three million dollars in export since then. So this is a great opportunity for us in Belize, a great shot in the arm for us to begin ramping up production and tap into that high value market.”

 

Behind every successful export deal is a team making sure the product is up to standard, and Belize’s shrimp industry is no exception. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority played a key role in getting Belize’s shrimp ready for the Taiwanese market. From farm inspections to food safety protocols, their work was crucial in sealing the deal. Dr. Natalie Gibson, BAHA’s Technical Director of Food Safety, gave us an inside look at how they ensured Belizean shrimp met Taiwan’s strict import standards, and why that matters for the future of the industry.

 

Dr. Natalie Gibson, Director of Food Safety, BAHA

“We regulate the processing facilities, we approve and register, we monitor to ensure they are adhering to good hygiene practices. Some of the facilities, we have annual audits for their HASAP systems which is a more advanced food safety management system that your basic hygiene. The good hygiene practices that entails the structure of the fallout, the design to prevent contamination, the practices, the procedures.”

 

And get this, Taiwan’s shrimp market is so massive, it could easily buy up every single shrimp Belize produces. But Belize’s shrimp industry is still in recovery mode. So, is this export deal just a great idea on paper, or does Belize need to ramp up investment to meet the demands of a high-end market like Taiwan?

 

Berisford Codd

“It is never too early to open a market for a product. The fact that we have done it now, to provides us a level of certainty that a market will be there when they ramp up production. So, certainly more investments will be needed to ramp up the quantity of supply. But it is good to know that our quality is recognized in these highly developed market, but certainly more investments will be needed by the private sector to step up to meet the needs of the market.”

 

While Henderson says it’s a big step for the local industry, he stressed the importance of ensuring that the initial market entry is well managed.

 

On the Phone: Alvin Henderson

“Even if we had significant volumes that could go into that market quickly, I would caution us against it. The market entry in Taiwan needs to be gradual. The reason is it is a very sophisticated market. I remember when we first went into the French market we did a similar approach. While we had significant production on the ground, our target was just one or two containers entering the market, because the first market entry really matters, because it creates an impact for an industry reputation for a destination, in this case Belize.”

 

Belizean seafood isn’t exactly new to Taiwan; in fact, they’ve already been enjoying our lobster for a while now. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.