China imported 429,687 metric tons of shrimp in the first half of 2025, marking a 4% year-over-year decline. The drop was primarily driven by a sharp contraction in January, when volumes declined 28% compared to the same month the previous year. However, the market rebounded quickly. Imports increased year-over-year in four out of the next five months, culminating in a strong June performance of 85,901 metric tons—up 9% versus June 2024 and the highest monthly volume so far this year.
Despite the slight contraction in volume, the value of China’s shrimp imports rose 5% year-over-year in the first half of 2025 to $2.26 billion. While January’s value was still down 14% compared to 2024, each subsequent month—again except for March—posted solid year-on-year gains. June’s value hit $442 million, up 17% from last year, reflecting stable demand and relatively firm prices in the Chinese market.
Ecuador Maintains Dominance but Slips Slightly in Volume
Ecuador continued to dominate China’s import market with 319,947 metric tons shipped in the first six months of the year—accounting for nearly 75% of total imports. This represents a 3% decline year-over-year. January's steep 30% drop dragged down the half-year total, but from February onward, Ecuador showed a stable performance. June shipments were robust at nearly 65,000 metric tons, up 3% year-over-year and the country’s highest monthly volume to date.
India Gains Momentum Mid-Year
India shipped 61,797 metric tons of shrimp to China in the first half of 2025, representing a 7% year-over-year decrease. Exports were weak through April, with year-over-year declines ranging from 11% to 37%. However, the tide turned in May and June, with shipments rising 12% and 28%, respectively. If this upward trend holds, India may close the year with stable or even slightly increased exports to China despite its poor start.
Thailand Returns to Growth
Thailand shipped 11,664 metric tons to China in the first half of the year, a 3% increase over the same period in 2024. While the first few months were marked by soft performance, including a 24% drop in January and a 23% drop in April, the country posted strong rebounds in May (+26%) and June (+73%), suggesting improved competitiveness or demand for Thai products.
Argentina and Venezuela Post Volatile but Positive Results
Argentina’s first-half exports to China totaled 11,359 metric tons, a 32% year-on-year increase, thanks to sharp growth in February and June. However, monthly performance has fluctuated significantly. Venezuela followed a similar path, with its shipments rising 64% to 6,192 metric tons, driven by exceptional growth in March, April, and May. These gains, although impressive in percentage terms, were derived from relatively low base volumes and were partially offset by a 54% decline in June.
Conclusion
Despite a challenging start to the year, China’s shrimp import market regained momentum in the second quarter, with both volumes and values improving. Ecuador remains the largest supplier, but India, Thailand, and Latin American exporters are beginning to regain ground. If current trends continue, China could still approach or surpass last year’s total imports.
Byte in Numbers
Total Import
- Volume
- Jan: 69,814 MT = -28% YoY
- Feb: 62,167 MT = +3% YoY
- Mar: 67,642 MT = -8% YoY
- Apr: 70,067 MT = +5% YoY
- May: 74,097 MT = +6% YoY
- Jun: 85,901 MT = +9% YoY
- YTD (Jan–Jun): 429,687 MT = -4% YoY
- Value
- Jan: $398 million = -14% YoY
- Feb: $340 million = +21% YoY
- Mar: $351 million = -3% YoY
- Apr: $356 million = +6% YoY
- May: $376 million = +10% YoY
- Jun: $442 million = +17% YoY
- YTD (Jan–Jun): $2,264 million = +5% YoY
Top 5 Suppliers by Volume
- Ecuador
- Jan: 51,013 MT = -30% YoY
- Feb: 49,112 MT = +16% YoY
- Mar: 50,678 MT = -9% YoY
- Apr: 52,295 MT = +11% YoY
- May: 52,055 MT = +4% YoY
- Jun: 64,793 MT = +3% YoY
- YTD (Jan–Jun): 319,947 MT = -3% YoY
- India
- Jan: 10,105 MT = -21% YoY
- Feb: 5,909 MT = -37% YoY
- Mar: 7,093 MT = -19% YoY
- Apr: 10,080 MT = -11% YoY
- May: 14,088 MT = +12% YoY
- Jun: 14,522 MT = +28% YoY
- YTD (Jan–Jun): 61,797 MT = -7% YoY
- Thailand
- Jan: 1,916 MT = -24% YoY
- Feb: 1,205 MT = -10% YoY
- Mar: 2,015 MT = +15% YoY
- Apr: 2,065 MT = -23% YoY
- May: 2,024 MT = +26% YoY
- Jun: 2,440 MT = +73% YoY
- YTD (Jan–Jun): 11,664 MT = +3% YoY
- Argentina
- Jan: 575 MT = -45% YoY
- Feb: 2,964 MT = +476% YoY
- Mar: 2,429 MT = -4% YoY
- Apr: 2,243 MT = -12% YoY
- May: 1,350 MT = -9% YoY
- Jun: 1,798 MT = +247% YoY
- YTD (Jan–Jun): 11,359 MT = +32% YoY
- Venezuela
- Jan: 212 MT = -76% YoY
- Feb: 956 MT = +5% YoY
- Mar: 2,408 MT = +519% YoY
- Apr: 1,180 MT = +245% YoY
- May: 1,196 MT = +66% YoY
- Jun: 242 MT = -54% YoY
- YTD (Jan–Jun): 6,192 MT = +64% YoY
