Indonesia’s Red Snapper Exports Set to Soar in US Market
Indonesia is gearing up to ramp up its red snapper exports to the lucrative US market, as revealed by Ranitya Kusumadewi, the Indonesian Trade Attaché to the United States. In a recent statement, Kusumadewi highlighted the abundance of seafood products in Indonesia, with red snapper taking center stage in the export drive.
Trade Talks in Maryland
During a meeting with seafood product importer Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) in Columbia, Maryland, Kusumadewi discussed the promising opportunities for expanding Indonesia’s seafood exports to the US. She shed light on the increasing demand for seafood products within the American market, prompting importers like CPF to diversify their product range, particularly focusing on red snapper.
CPF’s Growing Appetite for Red Snapper
The demand for red snapper by CPF in the US has been steadily on the rise, with an average of 20 containers per month. This upward trend translates to an estimated annual transaction value of US$2.5 million. To meet this demand, Indonesia is set to collaborate with various stakeholders to identify potential suppliers who can cater to CPF’s needs effectively.
Unlocking Indonesia’s Seafood Potential
Indonesia boasts significant potential as a key supplier of red snapper to the US market, given the abundance of this species in its tropical waters. While Brazilian supplies are seasonal, Indonesia stands out as a reliable year-round source for red snapper. Kusumadewi emphasized that Indonesian suppliers could also explore exporting other seafood products like tuna, grouper, tilapia, and squid to further diversify their offerings in the US market.
Forging Connections at the Seafood Expo
In a bid to strengthen ties and explore new business opportunities, Kusumadewi will introduce CPF to Indonesian businesses participating in the upcoming Seafood Expo North America (SENA) in Boston, Massachusetts on March 16-18. This strategic move aims to foster partnerships and facilitate the exchange of information between potential Indonesian suppliers and importers like CPF.
US Market Dynamics
The United States stands as the world’s largest importer of fishery products, with imports valued at a staggering US$21 billion, making up 15 percent of the total global imports in 2024. Key fishery products imported by the US include shrimp, salmon, tuna, and whitefish. Indonesia currently ranks seventh among the countries supplying US imports, holding a 5.5 percent share valued at US$1.15 billion.
Global Competition in Seafood Trade
In the competitive landscape of fishery product exports, leading countries supplying the US market include Chile (16.2 percent), Canada (15 percent), India (9.5 percent), Ecuador (6.7 percent), and Norway (6.6 percent). Indonesia’s strategic efforts to bolster its seafood exports to the US underscore its commitment to carving out a significant presence in this dynamic market.
As Indonesia sets its sights on boosting red snapper exports to the US market, the stage is set for a fruitful collaboration between Indonesian suppliers and American importers, ushering in a new chapter of growth and opportunity in the global seafood trade.
