Overseas
Cyclical debates resurface about alleged “dumping” in North African red shrimp exports, particularly from Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, towards Europe. Several Italian and Spanish seafood operators—major consumers of this product—accuse these imports of unfair competition due to lower prices. Yet, a closer look shows that the economic definition of dumping simply doesn’t fit this case.
Dumping: What It Really Means
In economic terms, dumping occurs when a country exports a product at a lower price than it sells domestically, or even below production cost. When proven, it can justify international trade defense measures. But neither condition applies to red shrimp from North Africa.
No Domestic Market, High Efficiency
Red shrimp are not part of Maghreb culinary traditions. There is no domestic market to compare export prices with. These shrimp are caught exclusively for export to countries where demand and value exist.
Likewise, the idea that North African companies sell below production cost is unfounded. Fisheries in the region operate with high efficiency, low overhead, and lean structures. No company could sustainably sell at a loss; if they did, they simply wouldn’t survive.
Not Dumping — Just Different Rules
The real issue lies elsewhere. European fleets face strict regulations: catch limits, minimum sizes, biological rest periods, and restricted zones—all essential to preserve marine stocks. Extra-EU countries, while often members of international bodies like the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean), operate under sovereignly defined rules.
This regulatory imbalance may cause market distortions, but it’s not dumping. It’s a political and diplomatic issue, not a commercial one.
Cooperation, Not Accusation
Instead of pointing fingers at our southern neighbors, Europe should seize this as an opportunity for cooperation. A telling example comes from a Mazara del Vallo entrepreneur who recently launched a joint venture with Maghreb partners—an intelligent and forward-looking move that paves the way for shared growth and new opportunities for Italian enterprises.
Bringing all stakeholders—producers, governments, international bodies—around the same table is the only way to establish fair and sustainable common rules. Avoiding hasty or even offensive judgments and working together for rational resource management is the only way to secure the future of Mediterranean fisheries.
After all, it would be hypocritical to forget that Europe itself practiced unsustainable intensive fishing for decades. The world has changed. What we need now are alliances, not barriers. And red shrimp can become—not a source of conflict—but an opportunity for dialogue.
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