On October 24, Zulkifli Hasan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, dispatched the initial tons of shrimp paste from Asahan, North Sumatra, totaling 40 metric tons destined for Thailand. The shipment, valued at about Rp230 million (US$12,700), marks a fresh push to open overseas markets for local small businesses.
Launching the Asahan Shrimp Paste Shipment to Thailand
“Today we are launching the first export of Asahan-made tiny-shrimp paste to Thailand, a 40-ton shipment worth about Rp230 million (US$12,700),” Zulkifli said alongside North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya. According to officials, this export initiative can assist locally processed items in reaching broader markets while elevating the economic value generated by the fisheries sector. Asahan features about 56 kilometers of coastline along the Strait of Malacca, positioning it as one of North Sumatra’s largest producers of wild-caught fish.
Did You Know? Capture fisheries production in Asahan reached 50,658 tons through September 2023, supporting seafood-processing businesses that rely on catches from local fishers.
Records provided by the Asahan government indicate that during 2022, outgoing shipments of shrimp paste hit a total of 1,897.7 tons, generating an approximate value of Rp21 billion (US$1.16 million). Through September 2023, export volume climbed to 2,758.5 tons, worth about Rp34 billion (US$1.87 million). These figures show the steady growth potential of Asahan's processed seafood in international commerce.
Building Regional Support for Small Businesses
The government hopes the initial shipment to Thailand will pave the way for regular exports and broaden the reach of Asahan’s processed seafood. Zulkifli emphasized that collaboration from local authorities and stakeholders remains essential for small business expansion. “We ask Bank Indonesia and the regent to support our small businesses so they can expand,” he said.
Menko Zulhas dan Wagub Sumut Surya Lepas Ekspor 40 Ton Terasi Asahan ke Thailand, Dongkrak Perekonomian Masyarakat Pesisirhttps://t.co/jQbwNG9kEC#EksporTerasiAsahan #ZulkifliHasan #UMKMSumut #BeritaAsahan #TerasiThailand #EksporPerikanan #bitvonline #selasa
Answer questions about shrimp paste exports from Asahan
When did the first export of shrimp paste to Thailand take place?
The first export of 40 metric tons of shrimp paste from Asahan to Thailand took place on October 24.
What was the total value of the initial shipment?
The 40-ton shipment was valued at about Rp230 million, which is approximately US$12,700.
How large were Asahan’s total shrimp-paste exports prior to this launch?
Asahan government data show that shrimp-paste exports reached 1,897.7 tons valued at Rp21 billion in 2022, and rose to 2,758.5 tons worth about Rp34 billion through September 2023.
How will regular shipments to international buyers alter the economic outlook for coastal fishers in Asahan?
UMKM Asahan Bikin Bangga! 40 Ton Terasi Lokal Resmi Tembus Thailand, Zulhas Angkat TopiBaca selengkapnya Di Bawah👇👇https://t.co/wCsl3ixuez#EksporTerasiAsahan #TerasiAsahan #EksporTerasiKeThailand #UMKMAsahan #KabupatenAsahan #BitvOnline pic.twitter.com/xvtusBiCNb
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