A. M. After the end of the marine shrimp ban in El Salvador, which was in effect from may 2 to june 15, traders have begun to stock up again. However, they say that the process has been gradual and that they are still facing difficulties due to adverse weather conditions.
During the ban, shrimp prices experienced a significant increase due to the shortage. Currently, there is already some stabilization in the market: a pound of shrimp tail is trading at US$2.50, medium shrimp at US$5.00, and jumbo shrimp at US$9.00, according to sellers. However, they warn that the volume of product has not yet normalized.
One of the factors limiting supply is the high waves caused by the rains, which has prevented many fishermen from going out to sea. As an alternative, some traders are turning to nursery shrimp, although they recognize that its size is smaller than that caught in the open sea and its availability is also limited.
Sellers fear that if the current weather conditions persist, new price increases could be generated, which would affect both their businesses and consumers’ pockets. Shrimp and other seafood are an important part of the salvadoran diet, so a drop in supply would have a direct impact on the family economy.
In view of this situation, traders are calling on the authorities to monitor the impact of the weather on fishing and support with alternatives to maintain a stable supply of seafood products. The post-vegetable recovery is progressing, but nature imposes new challenges to the sector.
