Photo: VASEP/FIS

Vietnam's Shrimp: Adapting to European Market Swings and Easter Demand

VIET NAM
Wednesday, April 02, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

The European shrimp market in March 2025 experienced a period of subdued demand, yet anticipates a significant rebound with the approach of Easter and the onset of warmer spring weather.

"This dynamic scenario has resulted in largely stable, albeit slightly fluctuating, shrimp prices across the region", according to insights from Ms. Le Hang, Communications Director at the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Whiteleg shrimp prices demonstrated stability for certain varieties, with chemically treated peeled and deveined (PD) shrimp (31-40/lb) holding at EUR 8.10/kg. Conversely, tail-on shrimp (21-25/kg) from Ecuador saw a modest increase to EUR 8.70/kg, while whole shrimp (41-50/kg) experienced a decrease to EUR 5.70/kg. Whole shrimp (16-20/kg) FOB prices stood at EUR 6.65/kg, and wholesale frozen shrimp prices in Spain remained unchanged at EUR 5.80/kg.

Argentine red shrimp prices remained steady, with whole shrimp (10-20 pcs/kg) EXW Argentina at EUR 8.00/kg and frozen shrimp on board of the same size FOB at EUR 7.50/kg. Easy-peel tail-on shrimp (20% glazed, 13-15 pcs/kg) CIF China reached EUR 11.30/kg.

Photo: VASEP

Cooked organic black tiger prawns (20-30 pcs/kg) in France maintained their price at EUR 31.00/kg. Fresh peeled and deveined black tiger prawns (20% glazed, 6-8 pcs/lb) FOB Spain were priced at EUR 15.85/kg. Headless giant freshwater prawns (20% glazed, 0-5 pcs/lb) CFR Spain were priced at EUR 15.60/kg.

Several factors are influencing the European shrimp market. Demand plays a pivotal role, with the current lull expected to give way to an Easter surge. Supply dynamics are also impacted by production in exporting countries, including Indonesia's Ramadan and Eid holidays, and harvest cycles. Seasonal festivities like Easter traditionally boost seafood demand, driving prices upward.

Photo: VASEP

Trade and tariff policies, particularly changes in the EU and US, can disrupt global markets and affect prices. Production and transportation costs, including feed, labor, and energy, also contribute to price fluctuations. Exchange rates between the Euro and the currencies of exporting nations can further influence prices when converted to EUR.

In summary, the European shrimp market is navigating a period of slight price volatility, with expectations of growth fueled by increased demand and favorable market conditions in the coming weeks.

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