As big supermarkets pursue profits, new research shows growing exploitation of shrimp farmers

Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — An investigation focused on three of the world’s largest shrimp producers claims that as big Western supermarkets make windfall profits, their aggressive pursuit of ever-lower wholesale prices is causing misery for people on the bottom end of the supply chain. The regional analysis of the industry in Vietnam, Indonesia and India found a 20%-60% drop in earnings from pre-pandemic levels as producers struggle to meet pricing demands by cutting labor costs. In many places this has meant unpaid and underpaid work. Vietnam, Indonesia and India provide about half the shrimp in the world’s top four markets.