Indonesia’s shrimp exports to the United States have officially resumed, with the government setting an ambitious target of shipping 200 containers this month. 

The reopening of the market follows the U.S.government’s approval of Indonesia’s radioactive-free certification system, issued by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

Head of the KKP’s Fish Quarantine and Quality Control Agency, Ishartini, said that 130 containers of shrimp are currently being inspected by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and are expected to depart from Surabaya, East Java, by the end of the week.

“The total export volume is around 2,000 tons, valued at roughly Rp80,000 per kilogram,” Ishartini said at a press briefing in Jakarta on Thursday, Nov 6.

Indonesia regained access to the U.S. shrimp market last week, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted its restrictions and designated the KKP as the authorized body to issue radioactive-free certificates for Indonesian shrimp exports.

Within just one week, seven containers of shrimp worth US$1.22 million (around Rp20 billion) have already been shipped to the U.S.

FDA’s recognition of Indonesia’s certification system, which was formalized on October 9, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the country’s seafood industry. It opens the door for wider market confidence and faster export procedures in the future.

Laboratory capacity

To sustain the momentum, the government plans to build four laboratories for radioactive testing in the near future.

Three key testing centers are already being prepared in Surabaya, East Java; Makassar, South Sulawesi; and Medan, North Sumatra.

“These facilities will strengthen Indonesia’s monitoring capacity and ensure all seafood exports meet international safety standards,” Ishartini said.

The establishment of the laboratories follows a series of consultations between KKP, BRIN, and the U.S. FDA, aiming to align Indonesia’s testing protocols with global best practices.

Export recovery

Shrimp remains the main contributor to Indonesia’s seafood export earnings, accounting for 30 percent, or about US$1.39 billion, of total fishery exports during the first nine months of 2025.

Shipments to the United States alone reached US$881.27 million, representing nearly one-fifth of total exports, according to KKP data.

Indonesia’s total seafood exports between January and September 2025 reached US$4.52 billion, with the government targeting US$6.25 billion by the end of the year.

“If Indonesian shrimp can reenter the US market, it will boost confidence and open doors to other export destinations,” Ishartini said.

Beyond the U.S., Indonesia’s key export markets include China, Japan, ASEAN countries, and the European Union. The fastest growth this year came from Southeast Asia, where exports rose 24.4 percent year-on-year to US$711.99 million as of September.