USA

Last year , US consumption of shrimp reached a record high of 404,154 metric tons, a figure calculated from shrimp imports into the US (331,700 metric tons) and domestic landings of tropical shrimp (72,454 metric tons). The 1999 figures represent an increase over the previous year's total quantity of 393,809 metric tons, a consistent trend from 1995. Per capita consumption for shrimps is estimated at 2.8 pounds per year, the biggest chunk of US total seafood per capita consumption, in 1998, of 14.9 pounds.

According to the National Fisheries Institute, Americans spend around US$50 billion each year on seafood. The bulk of this spending (68%) goes to fresh or frozen seafood (with shrimp top on the list) purchased in food service establishments (US$32 billion).

Industry sources predict a continuing demand for shrimp in the US market. Buoyed by a strong economy and increasing availability of imports, motivated by growing health conciousness and the perception of shrimp as value for money compared to other seafood, the American consumer will most likely continue craving for shrimps and spend top dollars on the product. .