?There's a rising star in flagging U.S. exports, but it's not likely to receive the attention of either political party. Export sales of U.S. sperm are on the rise and likely to go even higher. According to Marketdata, sperm banks and related fertility services have been on a meteoric rise. In 1988, the industry was worth $979 million, but is expected to reach $4.3 billion in 2013. A major part of that increase is exports.
What is all boils down to is the age-old story of supply and demand.
Social conditions abroad are encouraging demand as more countries become accepting of single parenting and gay parenting. However, these potential parents are drawing from a small domestic donor pool. Laws overseas are restrictive, rarely allowing anonymous donation with donors receiving little compensation. They are also hampered by the lack of networks of sperm banks that can connect donors and recipients.
This means a booming business for U.S. companies. Cryobank, the biggest bank in the world, claims 23 million in sales last year with exports to over 60 countries. Fairfax Cryobank exported sperm to over 50 other countries. Those exports represented over 10% of its transactions. There are also upstart banks with branches in the U.S. and Europe moving into the market.
The U.S. set itself as a leading exporter by anonymous donation, high compensation for donors and positive standards. An anonymous male in the United States can earn as much as $500 for his donation. That's top dollar, but goes to donors who show the most desirable traits such as being highly educated, having good physical traits and a positive family history.
Although demand for U.S. sperm is worldwide, the most significant recipients are Western Europe, Canada and Australia. It's also making a strong showing in both Israel and Chile. In both case, these nations represent the only locales in their geographic regions where insemination via a donor is permitted.
