Indonesia fish export is an important sector for the country since it contributes large income for the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). As one of the largest seafood producers in the world, Indonesia takes second place to export various fish commodities including tuna, shrimp, seaweed, tilapia, milkfish, and many more. Indonesia has distribute and export tons of seafood products and support them by develop policies for the better future of fishing and aquaculture industry. There are more than 10 types of fish commodities sold by Indonesia worldwide. So far Indonesia produce seafood products like:
- Shrimp
- Seaweed
- Milk fish
- Tuna
- Grouper
- Shells
- Baramundi
- Pangasius
- Clarias
- Common Crap
- Nile Tilapia
- Mud Crab
- Others
From year to year Indonesia fish export increased in the production volumes and the tuna fish being the most important captured species. The main Indonesia export products are tuna, shrimp, and seaweed. This is why Indonesia seafood industry really important for the country with the fact that more than 5 million people depend their income in fishing industry. Not to mention it is estimated that around 7 million people are employed both directly and indirectly. Moreover, there are hundred facilities produce seafood products then export them globally.
Main Indonesia fish export products
- Shrimp export
Cultured shrimp is used more than wild catch of shrimp in this sector. The export volume for this seafood product increase year to year and it even reached about 400,000 tons in 2008, although there are years when the export production volume decline slightly, but still, shrimp is one of the most important fish export products. The two essential shrimp species that largely exported are Black Tiger shrimp and Pacific White shrimp with the production taken mostly from Sumatra. Fluctuation in the shrimp exports over the past few years are mainly caused by crop failures, some cases of disease, as well as climate issue. Pacific White shrimp become the largest exported product followed by Black Tiger shrimp, and wild shrimp. Meanwhile, the most important market for Indonesia shrimp export is United States and it consist mainly on Pacific White shrimp. Even though both Japan and Europe are also two countries that import shrimp from Indonesia, however they are less favorable because of the low profit margin.
- Tuna sector
Skipjack is the most important tuna species for Indonesia fish export market. And the caught of skipjack tuna increased in tons from one year to another. Other tuna species that largely caught and exported are Yellowfin tuna, Eastern Little tuna, and Frigate tuna while both Bluefin tuna and Bullet tuna are caught as well but only in small amount. Indonesia also exports raw tuna fish for processing, despite the fact that canned tuna is the most exported seafood product. The main markets for this tuna are Japan, Europe, and United States. Middle East and North Africa are also supplied tuna from Indonesia. As for the Europe areas the countries such as United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Belgium are main markets too.
Following after shrimp and tuna fish, other Indonesia fish export products such as milk fish, sardine, mackerel, and catfish are important commercial seafood as well. Although not as popular as shrimp and tuna, let alone the seaweed, but several species gain successfully gain popularity.
Export market to EU or Europe countries need to be supported especially for small to medium sized export companies which they need assistance to gain EU approval when they want to export some products. Larger export companies are already mature and professional to get EU certificates making them smoothly to go through Europe markets.
There are two main barriers for Indonesia to go through Europe markets to sell their seafood commodities which are import tariff and food safety standards. Just like we already mentioned before, sometime fluctuation in the fish export volumes are caused by some cases of disease. That’s why food safety related to the hygiene and production are the main focus here. In addition, the need for sustainable seafood products are also increased more and more. Government of Indonesia will always support such standards and requirements so the companies can meet markets demand and bring more increased profit margin for the country as well. Hope this information about Indonesia fish export condition helps you to understand more about the seafood industry in this maritime country.
