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Shrimp Consumption Trends in the US, China and EU in the First Months of This Year

VIET NAM
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

According to Ms. Kim Thu, Shrimp Market Expert from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in early 2025, the shrimp import situation in major global consumer markets—the US, China, and the EU—has shown notable fluctuations

US Shrimp Imports Start the Year on a Strong Note

US shrimp imports began 2025 with positive growth compared to the same period last year. In January 2025, the US imported 71,301 metric tons of shrimp (equivalent to 157.026 million pounds) valued at $631.2 million, a 20% increase in volume and a 32% increase in value compared to January 2024’s 59,460 metric tons (131.398 million pounds) valued at $476.5 million. The average price was $4.02/lb, up 11% from $3.62/lb in January 2024.

This is a positive signal following a volatile 2024 for the US shrimp market. Total 2024 imports reached 762,804 tons, valued at nearly $6.1 billion, down 3% in volume and 6% in value from 2023’s 788,209 tons, valued at over $6.4 billion.

This trend reversal comes as markets gained clarity after the US announced anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigation results targeting Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

US shrimp import data for January 2025 shows strong growth from India, stagnation from Ecuador, slight growth from Indonesia, and continued growth from Vietnam.

US shrimp demand remains high, especially among those under 35 and flexitarians.

However, consumption is limited by price and preparation concerns. Many perceive shrimp as more expensive than chicken, despite a small real price difference. Preparation familiarity is also a hurdle, with consumers hesitant about peeling, deveining, and proper cooking.

To increase home consumption, businesses should position shrimp as a daily protein, offer smaller packaging, and develop value-added products like processed shrimp for convenience.

China: Warm Water Shrimp Imports Down, Lobster Imports Up

Lobster imports into China continue to rise in early 2025, while whiteleg and black tiger shrimp imports have yet to recover strongly, continuing a late-2024 trend.

In 2024, China imported 916,000 tons of frozen warm water shrimp, down 7% from the previous year. The import value also decreased by 15% to $4.55 billion, with the average price falling by 8% to $4.97/kg. This may be due to increased domestic shrimp production, lowering domestic prices and competing with imports.

Despite the import decline, shrimp remains 24% of China's total seafood import volume and 41% of its value, being the most popular seafood on online platforms.

Wealthy cities like Beijing and Shanghai have higher shrimp consumption.

Chinese shrimp prices fluctuated strongly in early 2025: after a nearly two-year low in January, they surged to a nearly one-year high in March.

In Guangdong, 60-count shrimp prices rose from 31 yuan/kg to 40 yuan/kg in the first 10 weeks. In Jiangsu, prices doubled from 27 yuan/kg to 56 yuan/kg due to tight supply.

The price increase is due to limited domestic supply after early harvests, reduced imports, and increased demand.

Farmers remain cautious, with no large-scale stocking, due to market concerns. Input costs (feed, seed) have risen due to China’s retaliatory tariffs on the US (shrimp feed prices up 200-300 yuan/ton).

More farmers are switching to large-sized shrimp for profit maximization, narrowing the price gap between large and small shrimp.

European Shrimp Market Slows Down

In February 2025, the European shrimp market was slow with stable prices. Demand did not increase significantly in the winter off-peak season, suggesting little fluctuation in March.

In 2024, the European shrimp market maintained growth, particularly in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, where seafood is popular.

European consumers increasingly prefer clean, organic, and processed shrimp. Processed products like steamed and peeled shrimp, and convenient packaged dishes, saw increased consumption, aligning with modern lifestyles.

European shrimp consumption habits vary regionally. Western Europe prioritizes high-quality, clean shrimp with origin and quality standards. Southern Europe prefers fresh shrimp for traditional dishes. Eastern Europe, with a growing middle class, favors mid-priced, affordable shrimp.

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