Maputo (AIM-New Ziana) – The outbreak of coronavirus has caused a cut in demand for Mozambican shrimp on the international market.

Countries such as China, Italy, Japan and Spain have cancelled orders because of the outbreak, creating uncertainty for producers.

Shrimp and prawn are important types of seafood that are consumed worldwide.

Although shrimp and prawns belong to different suborders of Decapoda, they are very similar in appearance and the terms are often used interchangeably in commercial farming and wild fisheries.

The international market is the main destination for shrimp caught in Mozambique.

Portuguese society of fishing companies Sociedade Industrial de Pescas director António Schwalbach told the national broadcaster that countries which imported Mozambican prawns started cancelling orders last week.

Mozambican shrimp is internationally recognised for its excellent quality.

AIM-New Ziana