FAO SOFIA Report: Global Shrimp Export Trends
The 2024 edition of the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) highlights a historic shift: for the first time, aquaculture production has surpassed capture fisheries. As a cornerstone of this "Blue Transformation," the shrimp sector remains one of the most valuable traded commodities in the aquatic food market, driven by booming production in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
What are the latest shrimp export trends according to the FAO?
Global shrimp exports have shown a robust recovery following the pandemic, with total trade volume reaching approximately 3.71 million tonnes. While the market saw a slight volume dip of 1.6% in 2024 due to cautious consumer demand in China and the U.S., the long-term trajectory remains upward. Ecuador has solidified its position as the world’s leading exporter, followed closely by India and Viet Nam, together accounting for the lion's share of global supply.
Key Drivers of Export Growth
The SOFIA report identifies several factors currently shaping the international shrimp trade:
Production Dominance: Asia continues to produce 70% of all aquatic animals, but Latin America—led by Ecuador—has seen the fastest growth in shrimp output.
Price Volatility: While export values hit record highs of $195 billion for all aquatic products in 2022, shrimp prices faced downward pressure in 2024 due to high global supply and cautious demand.
Sustainability & Certification: There is an increasing "market premium" for certified sustainable products, essential for accessing high-value European and North American markets.
Leading Exporters by the Numbers (2024)
The following table outlines the performance of the world's top shrimp exporters. While some regions faced price drops, the shift toward value-added products (peeled, breaded, or cooked) has helped stabilize revenues for countries like Viet Nam.
| Flag | Country | 2024 Export Value (USD) | 2024 Volume (MT) | Market Insight |
| 🇪🇨 | Ecuador | $6.07 Billion | 1.21 Million | Dominates the Chinese market; increasing focus on the U.S. and EU. |
| 🇮🇳 | India | $4.88 Billion | 716,000 | Top supplier to the U.S.; seeing growth in Black Tiger shrimp exports. |
| 🇻🇳 | Viet Nam | $4.10 Billion | 445,000* | Leader in processed/value-added shrimp for Japan and the EU. |
| 🇮🇩 | Indonesia | $1.08 Billion | 135,000 | Strong foothold in North American retail; steady volume player. |
| 🇨🇳 | China | $0.44 Billion | 55,400 | Primarily a consumer; exports limited to high-end processed goods. |
*Estimated volume based on cumulative revenue trends.
Future Outlook (2025–2026)
As we progress through 2026, the FAO projects that shrimp trade will become more regionalized. Trade agreements and rising domestic consumption in producing countries like India and China are expected to redirect flows away from traditional Western routes. Additionally, "Blue Transformation" initiatives will push for "climate-smart" farming to mitigate the environmental impacts of intensive aquaculture.
Ecuador’s Shrimp Export Dominance: A Global Leader
Ecuador has solidified its position as the world’s premier exporter of farmed shrimp, transforming its coastal aquaculture into a high-tech, multi-billion dollar industry. By focusing on the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), the nation has outpaced traditional Asian competitors through a unique combination of scale, biology, and market strategy.
What defines Ecuador's leadership in the shrimp market?
In 2025, Ecuador reached a landmark export volume of approximately 1.39 million tonnes, marking a 15% year-on-year increase. This growth generated roughly $7.5 billion in total revenue. The secret to this dominance lies in Ecuador’s low-density farming approach, which promotes natural growth and higher survival rates compared to the intensive, high-density methods used elsewhere.
Strategic Market Expansion
While China remains the primary destination for Ecuadorian shrimp, the industry has successfully diversified its footprint to ensure long-term stability against regional economic shifts.
The China Connection: Over 50% of exports are destined for China, where there is a massive preference for "head-on, shell-on" shrimp used in traditional cuisine.
The North American Push: Exports to the United States grew by over 25% in 2025. This was driven by a shift toward value-added products, such as peeled and deveined shrimp, tailored for retail and food service.
The European Premium: European markets like Spain and France remain high-value hubs, demanding strictly certified, sustainable products that command higher price points.
Comparative Export Performance by Region (2025)
The following table illustrates the scale of Ecuador’s reach across major global trade hubs.
| Flag | Primary Market | 2025 Volume (MT) | Revenue Value (USD) | Key Product Trend |
| 🇨🇳 | China | 690,000 | $3.51 Billion | Whole, head-on frozen shrimp. |
| 🇺🇸 | United States | 271,000 | $1.62 Billion | Peeled, deveined, and tail-on. |
| 🇪🇺 | European Union | 260,000 | $1.55 Billion | High-certification & Organic. |
| 🇯🇵 | Japan | 19,000 | $0.18 Billion | Premium quality, sushi-grade. |
| 🇰🇷 | South Korea | 15,500 | $0.12 Billion | Steady growth in retail packs. |
Competitive Advantages
Ecuador’s rise is not accidental; it is built on three specific structural advantages:
Integrated Supply Chain: Large Ecuadorian firms often own everything from the hatcheries and feed mills to the processing plants, allowing for total quality control and cost efficiency.
Environmental Branding: Through the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP), the country has marketed itself as a "clean" producer, utilizing zero antibiotics and maintaining high traceability standards.
Technological Leap: The widespread adoption of automated feeding systems and mechanical aeration has allowed farms to increase yields without significantly increasing their physical footprint or environmental impact.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, the Ecuadorian industry is pivoting toward industrial consolidation. Smaller producers are being integrated into larger corporate structures to better manage rising logistics and energy costs. Despite global price fluctuations, Ecuador’s ability to produce high volumes at a lower biological risk ensures it will likely remain the "shrimp basket" of the world for the foreseeable future.
India: Navigating a Shifting Global Shrimp Market
India remains a global heavyweight in the shrimp trade, second only to Ecuador. While the industry has historically leaned on the United States as its "anchor market," recent geopolitical shifts and trade barriers have forced a dramatic pivot. As of early 2026, the Indian shrimp sector is defined by its rapid diversification into European and Asian markets to maintain its multi-billion dollar valuation.
What is the current state of India's shrimp exports?
In the financial year ending in March 2025, India’s shrimp exports were valued at approximately $4.88 billion. However, the landscape shifted significantly in late 2025 when the U.S. imposed a prohibitive 58.26% effective tariff on Indian shrimp (including anti-dumping, countervailing, and reciprocal duties). This led to a visible shift in trade flows; while exports to the U.S. fell by 26% in October 2025, total volume for the year remained on an upward trajectory as India pivoted to alternative markets. Exports to the European Union surged by 38% and shipments to Vietnam—a major re-export hub—rose by 81% to offset the American shortfall.
The Strategic Pivot: 2025–2026 Trends
The "India Story" for 2026 is one of resilience through geography. Exporters are moving away from a "single-market" dependency toward a more balanced global portfolio.
The EU Surge: With the U.S. market becoming costly, Indian exporters have shifted focus to Europe. Growth in Belgium and the Netherlands has been particularly strong, supported by the approval of over 102 new Indian processing units for EU export in late 2025.
The "Vietnam Bridge": Vietnam has emerged as a critical partner, acting as a reprocessing hub. Indian exports to Vietnam doubled in value to $0.18 billion during the first five months of the 2025–26 fiscal year.
China's Stability: China remains India's second-largest market, with imports of Indian shrimp up 10–16% in 2025 as demand for raw material for domestic processing stays high.
Export Breakdown by Destination (2025 Data)
The table below illustrates the "rebalancing" of Indian shrimp flows following the 2025 tariff implementation.
| Flag | Destination | 2025 Status | Volume Change (YoY) | Strategic Insight |
| 🇺🇸 | United States | Top Market | -6% to -26% | Dropping share due to 58% effective tariffs; front-loaded in H1. |
| 🇨🇳 | China | Growing | +16% | Key outlet for raw vannamei; second-largest overall buyer. |
| 🇪🇺 | European Union | Rapid Growth | +38% | Strategic priority; benefiting from higher sustainability compliance. |
| 🇻🇳 | Vietnam | Explosive | +81% | Used as a processing and re-export hub for global markets. |
| 🇧🇪 | Belgium | Doubling | +100% | Emerging gateway to the EU with improved traceability standards. |
Challenges and the "Monodon" Resurgence
Beyond tariffs, India is battling internal and competitive pressures that are reshaping the types of shrimp being farmed:
Species Shift: While vannamei (white shrimp) dominates at 72% of the market, there is a massive resurgence in Black Tiger shrimp (P. monodon). In late 2025, monodon exports rose 76% year-on-year, primarily driven by Chinese demand.
Value-Added Focus: To combat lower margins on raw shrimp, Indian processors are investing heavily in "ready-to-cook" products—marinated, breaded, and cooked shrimp—which grew by 37% in volume in 2025.
Cost Pressures: Rising feed costs and high electricity prices remain hurdles. The government’s PMMSY scheme is currently funding cold-chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and reach a $12 billion export goal by late 2026.
Outlook for 2026
While a 10–12% moderation in total revenue was initially feared due to U.S. headwinds, the rapid expansion into non-U.S. markets (which now account for 57% of exports) suggests a stabilizing trend. If the India-EU Free Trade Agreement is ratified, it will act as a "strategic anchor," further reducing long-term policy risk for Indian producers.
Viet Nam: The Global Leader in High-Value Processed Shrimp
Viet Nam has carved out a unique and highly profitable niche in the global shrimp market by moving away from raw commodity exports and toward deep-processed, value-added products. While competitors like Ecuador focus on massive raw volumes, Viet Nam dominates the "ready-to-eat" and "ready-to-cook" segments, making it a critical supplier for global retail chains and high-end dining.
What is the current status of Viet Nam’s shrimp exports?
In 2025, Viet Nam’s shrimp exports hit a historic record of $4.6 billion, a 19% increase from the previous year. This surge was primarily driven by an explosive 60.8% growth in the Chinese market, which solidified its position as Viet Nam's top destination. Despite facing new trade barriers in the U.S., Viet Nam has maintained its global standing by leveraging advanced processing technology, exporting premium products like breaded, tempura, and ginger-marinated shrimp that fetch significantly higher prices than raw exports.
Strategic Market Performance (2025–2026)
Viet Nam’s export strategy is currently defined by its ability to pivot between markets based on shifting trade policies and consumer demand.
China & Hong Kong: Now the dominant destination, accounting for 28.3% of total exports. Demand is particularly high for premium whiteleg shrimp and live lobster, with lobster exports alone more than doubling to $817 million in 2025.
The CPTPP Advantage: Trade agreements with Japan, Australia, and Canada have turned this bloc into a "stable buffer." Japan alone imported $535 million in 2025, specifically seeking high-quality processed shrimp for its retail sector.
The U.S. Challenge: While the U.S. remains a top-tier market ($796 million in 2025), a series of anti-dumping and countervailing duty reviews toward the end of the year caused a 16.4% dip in December shipments as buyers became more cautious.
Export Value by Destination (Full Year 2025)
The following table highlights how Viet Nam's diversified market approach led to record-breaking revenue despite regional headwinds.
| Flag | Market | 2025 Value (USD) | Growth (YoY) | Key Product Focus |
| 🇨🇳 | China & HK | $1.30 Billion | +55.0% | Live lobster and premium "head-on" shrimp. |
| 🇺🇸 | United States | $796 Million | +5.4% | Value-added retail packs; slow year-end. |
| 🇯🇵 | Japan | $535 Million | +13.0% | Sushi-grade and breaded products. |
| 🇪🇺 | European Union | $580 Million | +19.9% | Sustainably certified (ASC) whiteleg shrimp. |
| 🇰🇷 | South Korea | $315 Million | +11.0% | Convenience and "ready-to-heat" meals. |
The Vietnamese Edge: Technology & Diversification
Viet Nam’s success is built on a "quality over quantity" philosophy that differentiates it from its regional neighbors.
Processing Superiority: Viet Nam is recognized as the world leader in shrimp processing technology. While other countries export raw blocks, Viet Nam specializes in labor-intensive value addition, which now accounts for nearly 45% of its total export volume to high-end markets like the EU.
The "Other Shrimp" Boom: In 2025, categories including lobster and slipper lobster surged by nearly 67%, becoming the strongest growth driver for the entire industry and reflecting a shift toward high-margin species.
High-Tech Farming: Provinces like Ca Mau are leading the transition to super-intensive farming models (such as RAS-IMTA), which produce shrimp with higher food-safety ratings, essential for the Japanese and European markets.
Outlook for 2026
The industry enters 2026 with a cautious but proactive outlook. While January 2026 saw a 13% rise in seafood exports, the U.S. market remains a challenge due to potential new import regulations and anti-dumping duties. To counter this, Vietnamese firms are accelerating their presence in "Green" markets, focusing on low-carbon and ASC-certified products to secure premium shelf space in the EU and Japan.
Indonesia: Resilience and Recovery in the Global Shrimp Trade
Indonesia holds a strategic position as the world's fourth-largest shrimp exporter, characterized by its high-quality Pacific white shrimp (vannamei) and giant tiger prawns (P. monodon). Despite a turbulent 2025 marked by regulatory setbacks in its primary market, the industry entered 2026 with a strong recovery trajectory and a renewed focus on food safety and market diversification.
What is the current state of Indonesia's shrimp exports?
In 2025, Indonesia's shrimp exports totaled approximately 201,113 metric tonnes, valued at $1.78 billion. While volume remained relatively flat, total export value increased by 11% due to a shift toward higher-priced, value-added products. The year was defined by a major "V-shaped" recovery; after a sharp 59% volume drop in October 2025 caused by a localized radioactivity scare (Cesium-137), exports rebounded by 31% in December 2025 as the U.S. government restored trust in Indonesian safety certifications.
Market Shifts and Diversification (2025–2026)
Historically dependent on the United States, Indonesia is now aggressively expanding into East Asia and Europe to mitigate trade risks and tariff pressures.
The United States: Remains the top buyer, absorbing roughly 63% of exports. However, Indonesian firms now face a 6.3% preliminary anti-dumping duty, forcing a lean toward more "cooked and marinated" products that are less susceptible to commodity price swings.
Japan: Indonesia's second-largest market, showing steady growth (+6% in 2025). Japan is the primary destination for Indonesia's premium Black Tiger shrimp, prized for the sushi and high-end restaurant trade.
Emerging Hubs: Exports to the European Union surged by 41% in 2025, while new trade approvals have opened up significant growth in South Korea and Taiwan ahead of the 2026 Lunar New Year.
Export Performance by Destination (Full Year 2025)
The following table highlights the resilience of the Indonesian shrimp sector across its major global partners.
| Flag | Destination | 2025 Volume (MT) | Value (USD) | 2026 Strategic Outlook |
| 🇺🇸 | United States | 125,588 | $1.11 Billion | Focus on "ready-to-eat" to offset 6.3% tariffs. |
| 🇯🇵 | Japan | 33,300 | $0.32 Billion | Stable growth; high demand for Black Tiger. |
| 🇨🇳 | China | 13,753 | $0.11 Billion | Rebounding sharply (+27%); key for raw vannamei. |
| 🇪🇺 | European Union | 10,517 | $0.09 Billion | Rapid expansion (+41%) via ASC sustainability labels. |
| 🇨🇦 | Canada | 3,855 | $0.04 Billion | Niche but high-growth market (+34%). |
The "Clean & Safe" Rebranding Strategy
Following the 2025 contamination incident—which was traced back to a specific industrial site and not the farms themselves—the Indonesian government and the JALA aquaculture tech group have launched a massive rebranding campaign.
Technification: Medium-density farms are increasing productivity (now averaging 19.07 tonnes per hectare) through IoT sensors and automated feeding systems.
Radioactivity Scanning: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs (KKP) has integrated 17 new radioactive scanners at major ports to provide "Cs-137 Free" certification for every U.S.-bound container.
Antibiotic Oversight: To counter 2026 reports of antibiotic residues from the U.S. FDA, Indonesia is linking its SIAP MUTU digital tracking system directly with international food safety agencies to ensure 100% traceability from pond to plate.
Outlook for 2026
The Indonesian government has set a target of $1.5 billion in shrimp exports for 2026. While the U.S. anti-dumping duties present a challenge, the industry's ability to pivot toward cooked and breaded formats (which grew by 31% in early 2025) provides a solid buffer. If the current expansion into South Korea and Taiwan continues at its present pace, Indonesia is well-positioned to recapture its 2022 peak revenues by the end of the year.
China: The Shift from Global Exporter to Consumer Superpower
China’s role in the global shrimp market has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once a leading exporter of raw commodities, China has pivoted to become the world’s most influential net importer. As of early 2026, the Chinese market acts as the primary "price setter" for global trade, with its domestic industry increasingly focused on high-tech farming and premium processed goods.
What is the current state of China’s shrimp exports and trade?
In 2025, China's total shrimp market was valued at $19.5 billion, with a projected rise to $20.56 billion in 2026. While China is a massive producer, its export strategy has shifted almost entirely to processed and value-added goods, which reached a value of $2.16 billion in 2025. China leverages its industrial infrastructure to re-process raw materials into ready-to-eat products for Japan and Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, it remains a "buy-side" giant, importing over 901,500 tonnes (valued at $4.79 billion) to satisfy its enormous domestic appetite.
The Dual Role: Consumer and Industrial Processor
China’s shrimp industry operates on a "high-in, high-out" model. It imports vast quantities of raw, frozen shrimp to satisfy domestic demand while simultaneously exporting specialized, labor-intensive products.
Domestic Production Surge: China is rapidly expanding its greenhouse and mega-RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) farms. There are now approximately 250,000 shrimp greenhouses producing up to 800,000 tonnes annually, allowing for year-round harvesting and reducing seasonal price swings.
The Export Focus: Chinese exports are dominated by processed forms (breaded, seasoned, or cooked), which saw a volume surge of over 60% in 2025. These are primarily destined for neighboring Asian markets where convenience is a priority.
The Import Giant: Ecuador remains the dominant supplier (holding a 65% market share), but India is gaining ground, ending 2025 with a 58% jump in December shipments to China.
Top Export Destinations for Chinese Shrimp (2025)
Unlike Ecuador or India, which target the West, China’s shrimp exports are strategically focused on the Asia-Pacific region, benefiting from shorter logistics chains and regional trade agreements.
| Flag | Destination | 2025 Market Status | Key Product Trend |
| 🇯🇵 | Japan | Stable | High-end value-added (Ebi tempura, sushi-ready). |
| 🇲🇾 | Malaysia | High Growth | Raw materials for regional food processing. |
| ðŸ‡ðŸ‡° | Hong Kong | Core Hub | Premium live and fresh "head-on" shrimp. |
| 🇰🇷 | South Korea | Growing | Ready-to-heat convenience meals. |
| 🇹🇼 | Taiwan | Stable | Frozen processed whiteleg shrimp. |
Key Drivers for 2026
Two major factors are currently defining the Chinese shrimp sector as we move through 2026:
Supply Chain Integration: Chinese firms are no longer just buying shrimp; they are owning the source. A major Chinese-owned processing plant opened in Ecuador in early 2026, allowing China to control quality and price directly at the origin.
The "B2C" E-commerce Boom: Domestic demand is increasingly driven by direct-to-consumer sales via platforms like TikTok (Douyin). This has created a massive demand for small-pack, branded, and traceable shrimp products, which now influences how China processes its exports.
Outlook for 2026–2027
China is expected to remain the world's leading shrimp buyer, with its market projected to grow at a 5.4% CAGR through 2031. As domestic greenhouse production scales up, China may eventually reduce its reliance on raw imports for certain segments, but its dominance as the "factory of the world" for processed shrimp exports remains unchallenged.
Leading Countries: Global Shrimp Export Best Practice Comparison
As the global shrimp industry moves through 2026, competition is no longer just about who produces the most, but who produces the most responsibly. The leading export nations have each specialized in a specific "Best Practice" that allows them to maintain a competitive edge despite rising costs and stricter international regulations.
The following table compares the strategic advantages and core best practices of the top five global players based on 2025 performance and 2026 targets.
| Flag | Country | Primary Best Practice | Key 2026 Innovation | Competitive Edge |
| 🇪🇨 | Ecuador | Sustainable SSP Model | AI-Driven Precision Feeding | Low-density, zero-antibiotic farming mimicking natural ecosystems. |
| 🇮🇳 | India | Integrated Biosecurity | Monodon (Black Tiger) Pivot | Robust "Shaphari" certification ensuring disease-free and antibiotic-free seeds. |
| 🇻🇳 | Viet Nam | Value-Added Processing | Super-Intensive RAS-IMTA | World leader in "ready-to-eat" tech; converting raw shrimp into premium meals. |
| 🇮🇩 | Indonesia | Clean & Traceable Tech | Digital "Siap Mutu" Tracking | High-transparency logistics; 100% radioactive and chemical residue screening. |
| 🇨🇳 | China | Industrialized Greenhouse | Tunnel-Greenhouse Tech | Climate-shielded indoor farming allowing for stable, year-round harvest cycles. |
Deep Dive: National Excellence Strategies
🇪🇨 Ecuador: The Scale of Nature
Ecuador’s best practice is defined by its Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP). In late 2025, the country reported a 15% volume increase, proving that its semi-intensive model—which uses fewer shrimp per square meter—virtually eliminates the need for antibiotics. This practice has become the gold standard for European buyers who prioritize animal welfare.
🇻🇳 Viet Nam: The Processing Pioneer
Viet Nam has set the global benchmark for value-added manufacturing. Instead of exporting raw blocks, Vietnamese firms use advanced technology to create "ready-to-eat" products. In 2025, value-added products made up over 50% of total export turnover to the EU. This practice allows them to earn significantly higher margins per kilogram than competitors focusing on raw commodities.
🇮🇳 India: The Biosecurity Shield
India’s "Shaphari" certification program is a world-class example of a national quality control system. It provides end-to-end traceability from the hatchery to the export container. In 2026, India is further diversifying by increasing Black Tiger (monodon) production, a practice that reduces the biological risk of over-relying on a single species.
🇮🇩 Indonesia: The Digital Transformation
Following a strong 31% rebound in December 2025, Indonesia pioneered the SIAP MUTU digital tracking system. This practice integrates IoT sensors in ponds with blockchain logs. Every shipment now carries a digital "passport" that proves it is free from chemical residues and environmental contaminants, restoring buyer confidence in the U.S. and EU.
🇨🇳 China: Climate-Shielded Farming
China’s best practice is the industrialization of the "Tunnel Greenhouse." By moving production indoors, farmers are protected from extreme weather. These high-tech domes use intelligent regulation systems to maintain water quality, making China a leader in stable, high-density yields that feed both domestic and regional Asian markets.
The Global Unified Standard
Regardless of the country, the "Best Practice" for 2026 is moving toward Full Utilization. Leading countries are now processing shrimp byproducts (shells and heads) into high-value chitin and fertilizers, ensuring that no part of the harvest goes to waste.