PhilExport-Negros: US ban on PH blue crab imports threatens livelihoods

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros chapter of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport) on Friday expressed concern over the U.S. suspension of Philippine blue crab imports which may threaten the livelihood of thousands of workers, fisherfolk, and coastal communities across the country, including those in Negros Occidental.

In a statement, PhilExport Negros called for immediate engagement ue between Philippine and U.S. authorities to clarify and resolve the issues that led to the suspension.

Effective June 11, the United States National Marine Fisheries Service, acting under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, closed the U.S. market to Philippine blue swimming crab products after the Philippines failed to demonstrate compliance with marine mammal conservation and fisheries monitoring requirements.

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PhilExport Negros urged the national government, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders to work collaboratively and swiftly to address the concerns raised by U.S. authorities and restore confidence in Philippine seafood exports.

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“The United States has long been the primary market for Philippine crabmeat exports. The suspension poses significant challenges to exporters, processors, fisherfolk, and the many ancillary industries that depend on this vital sector,” the group said.

The organization also called for enhanced assistance to affected exporters, processors, and fishing communities, as well as stronger fisheries monitoring systems, sustainability measures, and regulatory compliance mechanisms.

It further urged the government and industry players to explore alternative export markets to reduce dependence on a single destination and improve the sector’s resilience.

“Negros Occidental has long demonstrated the strength and adaptability of its people in the face of economic challenges. Just as the province continues to navigate difficulties confronting the sugar industry, we remain confident that through cooperation, innovation, and decisive action, the crabmeat export sector can overcome this setback and emerge stronger,” PhilExport Negros said.

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The group added that it stands ready to work with government agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders to protect jobs, preserve export opportunities, and sustain the growth of Philippine exports.

Negros Occidental Board Member Hope Marie Depasucat said local fishermen are already beginning to feel the impact of the export ban.

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She noted that fisherfolk now have to find their own domestic buyers, unlike before when crabmeat processing plants automatically purchased their catch for export.

As a result, crab prices have started to decline, she said.

Depasucat reiterated that about 90 percent of Philippine blue crab exports previously went to the U.S. market, with only 10 percent shipped to other countries.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he has asked the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to develop protocols that could help the country regain access to the U.S. market.

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“When we’re ready, together with BFAR, we will call on stakeholders and ask whether they believe the proposed protocols will help the industry,” Lacson said. /gsg