China importing more shrimp after weak start to 2025

However, the organisation notes that the market rebounded quickly, with imports increasing year-on-year in four out of the next five months, culminating in a strong June performance of 85,901 tonnes – 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 US$2.26 billion, Shrimp Imports advised.

It said that 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.

With regards to suppliers, Ecuador continued to dominate China’s shrimp import market, with 319,947 tonnes shipped in the first six months of the year – accounting for nearly 75% of total imports. 

While this represented a 3% decline year-on-year, Shrimp Imports explained that January’s steep 30% drop dragged down the half-year total, but from February onwards, Ecuador showed a stable performance. June shipments were robust at nearly 65,000 tonnes, up 3% year-over-year and the country’s highest monthly volume to date.

Ranked second, India supplied 61,797 tonnes of shrimp to China in the first six months, representing a 7% decrease year-on-year. Exports were weak through April, with year-over-year declines ranging from 11% to 37%. However, Shimp Imports said, “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, it suggested.

China’s third most important supplier, Thailand, sold 11,664 tonnes to the market in the period, a 3% increase year-on-year. While the first few months were marked by soft performances, 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.

“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,” Shrimp Imports concluded.