Japanese Imports of Value-Added Shrimp Increased at the Cost of Raw Frozen Product

Last year’s import statements revealed that the market trend remained positive for value-added products in Japan whereas it weakened for the traditional raw frozen shrimp. Overall imports of shrimp were 301 078 MT, valued at ¥ 290.87 billion (US$ 2.49 billion). The yen depreciation is generally causing restrictive trade although stocks are low in Japan and also in producing countries. Household demand remains price sensitive and consumers opt for cheaper, smaller size shrimp. Young generation consumers on the other hand, prefer convenience products such as cooked and / or prepared shrimp. In response to this trend, imports of such products increased by 15% in 2006 compared to 2005.

Prices of black tiger shrimp remained firm throughout the second half of the year. But for smaller size shrimp, the cheaper farmed vannamei has been the preferred alternative, particularly in the retail sector. Subsequently, supermarket demand for vannamei has increased for spring sales (April-May).

Annual imports: Japanese shrimp imports revived during 2006 which could be largely credited to the increasing demand for value-added products that showed positive trends during the last 6-7 years. Compared to 2005, there was a 2% growth in overall shrimp imports that reached 301 078 MT at a value of ¥ 290.87 billion (US$ 2.49 billion).

Value-added imports: The market continues to support higher imports of prepared products. Last year, there was a 15% increase in imports of frozen value-added shrimp compared to 2005; these were - cooked frozen shrimp, different types of prepared shrimp, and sushi shrimp with rice which totaled 68 486 MT at a value of US$ 522 million in 2006.

Thailand was the major exporter of cooked and prepared shrimp products (31 176 MT) followed by Vietnam (13 892 MT) and China (13 658 MT); supplies increased from these countries during the last five years. The usage of vannamei shrimp in value-added products has been substantial, particularly in Thailand and China. Pre-cooked sushi shrimp is one of the popular items imported into Japan and largely used by the numerous Keiten sushi shops throughout the country. More than 60% of Thai shrimp exports to Japan consisted of value-added products last year.

However, the market has a strong preference for black tiger shrimp, particularly for raw shell-on and nobashi (peeled, tail-on) shrimp; availability of “large sizes” is one of the factors which works in favor of black tiger shrimp. Also for high quality value-added products including tempura, sushi, black tiger shrimp remains the main raw material base preferred by the market. Vietnam is a principal producer and exporter of high quality and innovative value added products.

Japanese imports of frozen raw shrimp in 2006 were on a six year record low at 229 952 MT which included shell-on and peeled products. Imports of shell-on shrimp are still dominated by the black tiger species largely supplied by Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. In 2006, there were more supplies of raw frozen shrimp from the last three sources but declined from Indonesia and Vietnam.

There were lower imports of raw frozen shrimp (shell-on and peeled) from the top two suppliers- Vietnam and Indonesia during the second half of 2006 due to the antibiotic scare for farmed shrimp and stringent residue checks on entry of shipments in Japan. Supplies also declined from the Philippines, China and Australia. Imports however, increased from India, Myanmar and Bangladesh where traditional extensive farming is predominant.

Japanese Household Consumption of Fresh/Frozen Shrimp was Record Low in 2006

According to the government released report, the average consumption of fresh and frozen shrimp, whether head-on, shell-on and/or peeled, at household level, was at a record low at 2.01 kilogrammes in comparison with 3 kilogrammes in 1993. The survey, encompassing 49 cities, showed that only in 24 cities, the consumption level was around 2 kg; elsewhere it fluctuated between 1-2 kilogrammes. Only in two places, namely Toyama and Tsu, shrimp consumption was recorded at 2.8kg/ per capita.

Direct purchase of whole fish is becoming less important among Japanese households, which is being increasingly substituted by home meal replacement (HMP) or nakashoku. This category consists of various kinds of ready-to-eat, ready-to-heat, ready-to-cook and ready-to-prepare foods including shrimp. Moreover, the swell in “eating out” or has been on the rise, particularly among the younger generation Japanese.

As mentioned earlier, Japan imported more than 18 000 MT of cooked shrimp and another 50 000 MT of other types of prepared and processed shrimp in 2006 at a value of US$ 522 million. Imports of fresh and frozen raw shrimp subject to the survey, were at a record low at about 230 000 MT.

Shrimp Market was Brisk in Asia Far East during the Chinese New Year

The Lunar New Year (18-19 February) celebration in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia created strong demand for shrimp in the domestic and regional markets where shrimp are generally traded in live and fresh forms at higher prices. Exports of live and fresh/chilled shrimp from Indonesia and Thailand to Singapore and Malaysia and also from Malaysia to Singapore market were brisk during the month long celebration in February/March.

by Fatima Ferdouse (INFOFISH)
© FAO GLOBEFISH 2007