China’s shrimp imports show signs of recovery after early-year dip

CHINA – China is seeing a gradual recovery in shrimp imports in 2025 after a sharp drop in January dragged down the first-half totals.

Between January and June, the country brought in 429,687 metric tons of shrimp, reflecting a 4% decline compared to the same period last year.

The decrease was largely due to a steep contraction in January, when import volumes dropped 28% year-over-year.

However, from February onwards, monthly figures started picking up, with four out of the next five months recording annual growth, culminating in a strong June performance of 85,901 metric tons, which was 9% higher than June 2024.

While volumes slightly fell, the overall value of shrimp imports rose by 5% year-over-year to US$2.26 billion (US dollars).

January remained weak in value terms, down 14% compared to the same month in 2024, but subsequent months saw steady gains with the exception of March.

By June, the value of imports reached US$442 million, a 17% increase from the previous year, suggesting stable market demand and firm pricing.

Ecuador Holds Majority Share Despite Slipping Volumes

Ecuador remained China’s primary shrimp supplier, accounting for 319,947 metric tons in the first half of 2025, which is around three-quarters of all imports.

Despite retaining the lead, this marked a 3% drop from the previous year, largely caused by a 30% decline in January shipments.

Still, Ecuador’s monthly performance stabilized from February, and by June, exports to China rose to nearly 65,000 metric tons, up 3% year-on-year.

India, Thailand and Latin American Countries Gain Pace

India exported 61,797 metric tons to China over the six-month period, representing a 7% decrease from last year.

The country’s exports were down sharply through April, but gains in May and June—up 12% and 28% respectively—suggest potential for recovery in the second half.

Thailand sent 11,664 metric tons during the same period, a modest 3% rise year-over-year, with rebounds in May and June helping offset earlier declines.

Argentina’s exports grew 32% year-over-year to 11,359 metric tons, though the growth came with month-to-month volatility.

Venezuela recorded a 64% increase to 6,192 metric tons, fueled by strong shipments in March through May, but a 54% fall in June pulled the pace back.

China’s shrimp import market appears to be regaining strength after a slow start, with a mix of steady volumes and firmer prices shaping the current outlook.

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