U.S. aquacultural production is expected to increase in 2005 due to a relatively strong domestic economy, a weaker dollar relative to some other currencies, which is expected to help exports and higher livestock and poultry prices, especially in the first half of the year.

According to the US Department of Agriculture's first biennial Aquaculture Report for 2005, released today, imports of farm-raised seafood are also expected to expand in 2005. However, the rate of growth should be much slower than in the past several years, and a weaker dollar will make imported products more expensive.

Grain prices are expected to be considerably lower in 2005, which will provide lower feed costs.

Download the ERS-USDA Electronic Outlook Report from the Economic Research Service [PDF]