Shrimp is one of Mexico’s most valuable seafood products, and its export during the peak season is crucial to the country's economy. In this article, we will provide an overview of the peak Mexican shrimp harvesting and export season, the main harvesting regions, export figures, destinations in the United States, the types of transportation used, and the certification required to export this valuable product.

Start of the Peak Mexican Shrimp Harvesting and Export Season

The peak shrimp harvesting season in Mexico generally begins in September and continues through March of the following year. During this period, weather and oceanographic conditions are optimal, allowing for abundant, high-quality catches. This season is essential for coastal communities and exporters, as it is when the highest export volumes are recorded.

Main Shrimp Harvesting Regions in Mexico

The main shrimp harvesting areas in Mexico are located along the Pacific coast, the Gulf of California, and the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the leading shrimp-producing states include:

• Sinaloa: Recognized as the largest shrimp-producing state in Mexico.
• Sonora: Another key region with significant fishing activity.
• Tamaulipas: An important shrimp producer in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Baja California Sur: Known for its high-quality shrimp.

These regions are not only essential for shrimp harvesting, but are also strategically important for exports due to their proximity to key ports and border crossings.

Mexican Shrimp Export Figures in Recent Years

Mexico is the world's second-largest shrimp producer. In recent years, export figures have shown steady growth. For example:

• In 2021, approximately 227,000 metric tons of shrimp were produced.
• Of the total production in 2021, 22% came from wild-caught shrimp in coastal bays, while 78% came from aquaculture farms.
• In 2022, Mexico exported 32,859 metric tons of shrimp, primarily farm-raised.

These figures highlight the importance of shrimp to the Mexican economy and its relevance in international trade.

Main U.S. Destinations for Mexican Shrimp

The United States is the main destination for Mexican shrimp, accounting for approximately 80% of Mexico's shrimp exports. Major U.S. ports of entry include:

• Los Ángeles, California: One of the largest seafood distribution hubs on the West Coast.
• Houston, Texas: An important entry point for seafood products.
• Nueva Orleans, Luisiana: A city with a long-standing tradition of importing seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.

These destinations are strategically important due to their infrastructure for handling fresh and frozen products, as well as their proximity to high-consumption markets.

Transportation Used to Move Harvested Shrimp

Harvested shrimp is primarily transported in refrigerated trucks, commonly known as reefer trucks. These vehicles are designed to maintain the cold chain, which is essential for preserving product quality from the point of harvest to its final destination. In some cases, refrigerated containers are transported by sea for longer distances, particularly for shipments destined for U.S. ports.

U.S. Certification Required to Export Shrimp from Mexico

To export shrimp to the United States, exporters must comply with the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) requirements established by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This certification ensures that the fishing nets used to harvest shrimp are equipped with devices that allow sea turtles to escape, helping protect these endangered species.

TED certification is crucial for accessing the U.S. market, as non-compliance may result in restrictions or a ban on shrimp imports from Mexico.

The export of Mexican shrimp during the peak season involves multiple stages, from harvesting in key regions to specialized transportation and compliance with strict certification requirements. At Zaro Transportation, we understand the importance of these factors and provide logistics solutions designed to preserve product quality and ensure timely delivery to international markets, helping our customers in the seafood industry succeed.

Sources: OpenAI | Veterinaria Digital | NOAA Fisheries | AquaHoy