Each year Panama generates about 70 million dollars from seafood exports. The sector also provides around 40,000 jobs.

Source: terra.com

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Panama: Shrimp Exports Up

March 2014

In 2013, foreign sales increased by 85% compared to 2012, generating foreign exchange earnings of $76 million.

The growth in demand from Asian countries coupled with the rise in international prices explain the sharp increase in shrimp exports from Panama, which is now seeking to increase its presence in new markets.

U.S. Lifts Restrictions to Panamanian Shrimp

May 2010

Panama is now officially certified to export shrimp to the United States.

Diana Araúz, head of the Water Resources Authority of Panama, explained that U.S. authorities inspected shrimp fishing vessels to ensure they make proper user of the Turtle Exclusion Devices (TED).

U.S. Embargoes Mexican Shrimp

April 2010

The embargo applied on Tuesday suspends indefinitely all imports of Mexican high seas shrimp.

The Mexican Fleet failed the certification process conducted by U.S. authorities, who controlled if the boats used procedures to prevent accidental deaths of turtles while fishing for shrimp.

Nicaragua certified for shrimp exports to US

May 2008

Nicaragua is one of 40 countries to be certified for exports of shrimp to the United States. Certified exporters have to meet US requirements on the conservation of marine species, such as turtles.

Other countries to be certified included Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama, according to the US embassy in Panama City.