JAKARTA. The country’s frozen seafood producers are aiming to reap US$110 million in profit in the American market, thanks to the products’ popularity there.

PT Sekar Bumi president director Harry Lukmito said that the American and European export markets for frozen seafood products would likely increase by 40 percent due to the products’ popularity in these markets on account of their quality and nutritional value.

Aside from the products’ quality, Harry explained that producers were able to take advantage of the fact that Thailand, which is the largest producer of frozen seafood, was currently experiencing a drastic production decline.

“This year, we are targeting to reach $110 million in profit from the Western export markets. Thai production is currently declining due to land acquisition problems. We are able to take advantage of this problem,” Harry said as quoted by Antara news agency.

Regarding the possibility of opening new export markets, Harry mentioned that his company was preparing several market surveys to markets such as Japan to assess potential, and was confident of the products’ advantages.

Indonesia’s seafood exports comprise shrimp, tuna, crabmeat, lobster, seaweed and snapper, among others. (dyl)

Editor: Hendra Gunawan