Shifts in the global shrimp trade and production

Global shrimp imports dropped by 1.6 percent in volume and 5.9 percent in value in 2024.

The combined share of China and the United States of America in this trade declined marginally from 49 percent in 2023 to 48 percent in 2024, equivalent to 100 000 tonnes of shrimp. Although imports increased in the European Union (+2.4 percent) and in Japan (+8 percent) year-on-year, the growth was insufficient to compensate for that one percent shortfall. During January–March 2025, the US imports recovered in contrast to China, where domestic production was on the rise. 
During January–April 2025, India’s export-oriented shrimp aquaculture industry reported lower harvests of vannamei shrimp. By contrast, in the same period, Ecuador saw increased output. In China, steady production from its greenhouse shrimp farming sector continued to lead to lower shrimp imports.
According to Rabobank, global farmed shrimp production may reach 6 million tonnes in 2025, with Ecuador contributing significantly to this growth. However, reduced imports in China and the elevated US tariffs are causing Asian farmers to consider whether to decrease production targets.
In Southeast Asia and the Far East, fresh shrimp prices have declined by 20–30 percent from their high levels reached in December 2024. However, in comparison with the Western markets, consumer demand for shrimp has been stable in these markets. Medium and small-sized head-on-farmed shrimp are popular for household consumption. In the export trade during January–May 2025, offer prices are the highest from Viet Nam and lowest from Ecuador. In China, prices of domestic shrimp weakened in April–May 2025 due to the increased harvests of local shrimp.