WASHINGTON — The U.S. International Trade Commission has moved to levy duties on frozen warmwater shrimp imports from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
The move comes after investigations conducted by the organization discovered that the four countries have illegally been subsidizing and dumping shrimp into U.S. markets.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville called the decision a “huge victory” Wednesday.
“Alabama’s shrimp industry can out-compete anyone in the world — as long as the rules are fair,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “Shrimping has long been a hallmark of Alabama’s fishing industry, and this rule enables our shrimpers to compete on the same level as our foreign competitors.
“I am excited to see the positive impacts this rule will have on our state and look forward to additional opportunities to support this crucial industry in Washington.”
In 2022, Alabama’s commercial wild-shrimp landings weighed 24.28 million pounds valued at more than $52 million. Shrimping is the largest commercial fishery in Alabama and is one of the biggest contributors to the state’s coastal economy.
According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the shrimp industry in Alabama consists of wild-caught and farm-raised species. In Alabama waters, there are between 15 and 22 wild shrimp species; only three are commercially caught: brown, white, and pink. On inland farms, farmers also raise Pacific white shrimp.
