Asahan shrimp paste makes debut export to Thailand

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Asahan Regency, North Sumatra, have completed their first export of rebon shrimp paste to Thailand. The shipment consisted of 40 tons of product with an estimated value of approximately Rp 230 million.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan noted that while Asahan shrimp paste has been exported previously, this marks the first direct shipment to the Thai market. The initiative aims to expand market access for processed seafood products from the region.

Asahan possesses a 56-kilometer coastline along the Malacca Strait and is one of North Sumatra's largest fisheries production areas. In 2026, local shrimp paste export volumes reached 2,758.5 tons, valued at roughly Rp 34 billion. Local officials emphasized that this milestone was achieved through technical assistance to help small-scale household businesses meet international quality and marketing standards.