Indonesia Suspends White Shrimp Exports to US: Countdown to FDA’s October 31 Radiation-Free Certification

In October 2025, Indonesia ordered white shrimp processors in Java and Lampung to suspend exports to the US. This move responds to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s "radioactive safety certification" directive — all shrimp exported to the US must complete "radiation-free" certification by October 31, including the arrival date in the US.

Cause: Cesium-137 Detection Leads to FDA’s "Red/Yellow Lists"

Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS), Indonesia’s largest shrimp enterprise, had its products detected with cesium-137 in the US. It was placed on the FDA’s "Red List" and needs a third-party audit to resume exports. Other processors in Java and Lampung were put on the "Yellow List" — their products can only be shipped with official "radiation-free" certificates.

Previously, the US returned 26 Indonesian white shrimp containers; 18 still showed traces of cesium-137 in domestic re-inspections. BMS also voluntarily recalled 300 containers of frozen white shrimp in transit to the US.

Impact: 99% of US-Bound Exports Halted, Industry Under Pressure

Java and Lampung account for 99% of Indonesia’s white shrimp exports to the US, with an annual export value of over USD 1 billion. After the suspension, processors in the two regions ceased accepting US orders, and pond-side prices dropped sharply.

Notably, the suspension came just 3 days after Indonesia’s Trade Minister stated that "shrimp radiation levels meet national safety standards and are safe for consumption." The FDA’s strict control was mainly due to its suspicion that Indonesia might re-export returned shrimp.

Dilemma: US Government Shutdown + Urgent Certification

The US government is in a "shutdown" due to a budget deadlock, disrupting certification and review work. Indonesian exporters are racing against time to conduct testing and certification to avoid export chain disruption.

The industry fears that if standards are not met by the end of October, Indonesia’s white shrimp exports to the US may face a "de facto ban." In the long run, the industry needs to improve quality control to meet stricter international regulatory requirements.