Why is Bangladesh's shrimp export industry struggling?
Industry stakeholders say a combination of environmental, technological and infrastructure challenges continues to hold the sector back.
Photo: Collected
Bangladesh wants to raise shrimp export earnings to $3 billion by 2030, but the sector remains far from that target.
Once the country's second-largest export earner, shrimp exports have fallen to below $300 million in FY25 from nearly $1 billion in the 1990s amid declining productivity and growing global competition.
Industry stakeholders say a combination of environmental, technological and infrastructure challenges continues to hold the sector back.
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What's holding back 'White Gold' sector
- Bangladesh continues to rely largely on traditional shrimp farming methods.
- Productivity remains far below competing countries such as Ecuador, India and Vietnam.
- Average shrimp yields in Bangladesh are only about 400kg per hectare.
- Delayed adoption of high-yield Vannamei (whiteleg) shrimp has reduced competitiveness.
- Environmental degradation has affected shrimp farming areas.
- Urbanisation has led to the loss of water bodies suitable for cultivation.
- Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides has harmed production conditions.
- Commercial-scale modern shrimp farming remains limited.
- High feed prices continue to increase production costs.
- Shortages of quality post-larvae constrain output.
- Domestic shrimp prices are often higher than international market rates.
- Poor transport and logistics systems increase mortality rates and costs.
- Compliance, traceability and food safety requirements remain difficult for many producers to meet.
