Philippines Halts US Shrimp Exports Due to Turtle Protection Law

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the Philippines has advised local shrimp exporters to temporarily halt shipments to the United States. This recommendation follows the enactment of Public Law 101-162 by the US in May 2023, which bans the importation of shrimp caught using methods harmful to turtles, specifically without Turtle Excluder devices. The law allows only shrimp harvested from aquaculture to enter the US.

As a result of this policy, the DTI-EMB has cautioned that shipments to the US might be held by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) until the issue is resolved. The ban impacts "wild-caught shrimp harvested in the Philippines" and related products like 'bagoong'. To comply with the new policy, all shrimp imports into the US must have a certified DS-2031 Shrimp Exporter's or Importer's Declaration, verifying the shrimp's harvesting method. Exporters affected by this law are advised to contact the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for the necessary declaration.

The Philippines is among the top 10 global shrimp producers and ranks fourth in Southeast Asia, according to the Department of Agriculture's 2021-2040 Shrimp Industry Roadmap. Ten percent of the country's shrimp production is exported, while 90 percent is consumed domestically. Shrimp production accounts for approximately 80 percent of the Philippines' aquaculture sector. Nationally, 60 percent of harvested shrimp are Giant Black Tiger Shrimp, 30 percent are Pacific White Shrimp, and freshwater prawn contribute less than one percent. The roadmap includes targets of increasing annual production by at least 5,000 metric tons of Black Tiger Shrimp and 20,000 metric tons of White Shrimp, with a goal of 20 to 25 percent annual export volume growth. A National Comprehensive Shrimp Breeding Program is also planned to support sustainable and affordable production for producers and exporters.