Bangladesh has emerged as a global hub for aquaculture, and shrimp farming is one of the most profitable sectors in the country. The coastal belt and riverine areas provide ideal conditions for shrimp cultivation. Most importantly, the international demand for frozen and processed shrimp has been steadily rising, making this business a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors.
This article provides a detailed project profile of a shrimp processing and export business in Bangladesh, including market insights, production process, machinery requirements, financial analysis, and potential revenue.
1. Introduction
Shrimp processing and export is an industry with immense potential in Bangladesh. The country produces varieties like Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), which are highly demanded in the USA, EU, Japan, and other international markets. Besides that, Bangladesh offers a competitive cost advantage due to cheap labor, favorable climate, and government incentives for export-oriented industries.
Most important: this project can generate high foreign exchange earnings while providing employment to hundreds of workers.
2. Market Potential
The global demand for shrimp is increasing, and Bangladesh can capture a significant share. Key factors supporting this market are:
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Rising seafood consumption globally
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Preference for high-quality, natural, and chemical-free shrimp
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Free Trade Agreements providing tariff benefits
Export Potential of Bangladesh Shrimp (2024 data)
| Export Destination | Quantity (Ton) | Value (Million USD) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 3,500 | 45 |
| EU Countries | 6,000 | 70 |
| Japan | 2,000 | 25 |
| China | 1,500 | 18 |
| Others | 2,000 | 20 |
| Total | 15,000 | 178 |
Most important: the EU and USA markets demand strict quality standards, which drives the need for modern shrimp processing units.
3. Project Location
Selecting a coastal area or near a river is ideal. Locations like Khulna, Satkhira, Cox’s Bazar, and Bagerhat are suitable due to easy access to shrimp farms and export ports.
4. Production Capacity
A medium-scale processing plant can handle 5 tons of raw shrimp per day, producing 3.5 tons of frozen shrimp ready for export.
Proposed Production Capacity
| Product | Daily Production | Monthly Production |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Shrimp | 5 tons | 150 tons |
| Processed Frozen Shrimp | 3.5 tons | 105 tons |
| By-products (heads, shells) | 1 ton | 30 tons |
Most important: By-products can be converted into shrimp meal, fish feed, or fertilizer, generating additional revenue.
5. Technology and Machinery
Modern shrimp processing requires a combination of machinery and manual labor. Key equipment includes:
| Equipment | Quantity | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Head Cutter & De-scaler Machine | 2 | 4,50,000 |
| Grading Machine | 2 | 3,00,000 |
| Peeling Machine | 2 | 4,00,000 |
| Freezer / IQF Machine | 1 | 25,00,000 |
| Cold Storage (100 ton capacity) | 1 | 30,00,000 |
| Packaging Machine | 2 | 5,00,000 |
| Conveyors & Misc Equipment | - | 5,00,000 |
| Total Machinery Cost | - | 76,50,000 |
Besides that, the plant requires electricity, water supply, and waste management systems.
6. Raw Materials
Raw materials mainly come from local shrimp farms. Other inputs include ice, packaging materials, preservatives, and chemicals for cleaning.
Estimated Monthly Raw Material Requirement
| Raw Material | Quantity | Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Shrimp | 150 tons | 1,20,00,000 |
| Ice | 10 tons | 1,50,000 |
| Packaging | 105 tons | 3,00,000 |
| Chemicals & Preservatives | - | 1,00,000 |
| Total | - | 1,25,50,000 |
Most important: Securing consistent supply from contracted shrimp farms ensures uninterrupted production.
7. Manpower Requirement
A medium-scale plant can employ around 60–70 workers, including production staff, quality control, management, and logistics.
Staff Requirement
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Production Staff | 40 |
| Quality Control | 5 |
| Management & Admin | 5 |
| Packaging & Logistics | 10 |
| Security & Maintenance | 5 |
| Total | 65 |
8. Production Flow Chart
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Raw shrimp collection from farms
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Washing and cleaning
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Grading by size
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Peeling and deveining
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Freezing in IQF machine
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Packaging
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Storage in cold storage
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Export to international buyers
Most important: Maintaining hygiene and cold chain integrity ensures shrimp quality meets export standards.
9. Investment Estimation
A medium-scale shrimp processing unit requires both capital expenditure (CapEx) and operating expenditure (OpEx).
Capital Expenditure (BDT)
| Item | Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Land & Building | 1,00,00,000 |
| Machinery & Equipment | 76,50,000 |
| Cold Storage & Freezer | 30,00,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Office, Furniture) | 10,00,000 |
| Total CapEx | 2,16,50,000 |
Operating Expenditure (Monthly BDT)
| Item | Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Raw Materials | 1,25,50,000 |
| Salaries & Wages | 6,50,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water) | 2,50,000 |
| Packaging & Consumables | 3,00,000 |
| Transportation & Logistics | 3,00,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | 1,50,000 |
| Total OpEx | 1,42,00,000 |
10. Revenue Projection
A medium-scale processing unit exporting 3.5 tons per day can generate substantial revenue.
Revenue Projection (Monthly)
| Product | Quantity (Ton) | Selling Price (BDT/Kg) | Revenue (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Shrimp | 105 tons | 1,50,000 | 1,57,50,000 |
| By-products (Shrimp heads, shells) | 30 tons | 20,000 | 6,00,000 |
| Total Revenue | - | - | 1,63,50,000 |
Most important: The gross profit per month can reach around 21,50,000 BDT, and net profit can increase with proper cost management and bulk export contracts.
11. Marketing and Export Strategy
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Partner with international seafood importers in the USA, EU, Japan, and China
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Participate in seafood trade fairs and exhibitions
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Obtain certifications like HACCP, BRC, and ISO for quality assurance
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Use digital marketing and B2B platforms to reach overseas buyers
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Maintain contractual relationships with shrimp farms to ensure supply
Most important: A strong marketing and export strategy ensures continuous demand and premium pricing.
12. SWOT Analysis
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| High international demand | Requires high capital investment |
| Competitive labor and production cost | Perishable product, needs cold chain |
| Government incentives for export | Dependence on consistent raw material supply |
| Opportunities | Threats |
|---|---|
| Expanding global seafood market | Disease outbreaks in shrimp farms |
| Export to new international markets | Competition from India, Vietnam |
| By-product utilization for additional revenue | Price fluctuation in international markets |
Most important: Managing threats and leveraging opportunities is key for long-term profitability.
13. Implementation Schedule
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Feasibility Study & Project Approval | 1 Month |
| Land Acquisition & Construction | 3 Months |
| Machinery Procurement & Installation | 2 Months |
| Recruitment & Staff Training | 1 Month |
| Trial Production | 1 Month |
| Commercial Production & Export | 1 Month |
| Total Project Duration | 9 Months |
14. Call to Action
If you are planning to start a bankable shrimp processing and export project in Bangladesh or abroad, we provide ready-made, detailed, and bankable project profiles tailored for investors and banks. Our profiles include complete feasibility, market research, financial projections, and operational plans.
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Most important: With our professional project profiles, your business idea becomes investor-ready and bank-approvable.
Conclusion
Shrimp processing and export is one of the most profitable businesses in Bangladesh. With proper planning, modern machinery, trained staff, and adherence to international standards, investors can generate significant revenue while contributing to employment and export growth. Most important: securing a bankable project profile is the first step to turning this opportunity into reality.
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