Global Shrimp Market: A Tale of Two Hemispheres in Week 48

In Week 48 of 2025 (November 24-30), the global shrimp market witnessed a stark divergence in pricing trends, with South America experiencing a downturn while Asia saw a broad-based increase. This dynamic reflects significant shifts in the global supply and demand landscape for shrimp.

Market Snapshot: Week 48

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South America Asia

Ecuador's prices continue to Prices rise across major producers due to

decline due to seasonal oversupply. reduced supply and strong demand.

South America: Ecuador's Price Decline

The price of Ecuadorian whiteleg shrimp at the farm gate continued its downward trend during this period, with declines ranging from $0.05 to $0.15 per kilogram. This is primarily attributed to the seasonal increase in production during November and December, coupled with a temporary slowdown in demand from key buyers in the United States and Europe, who had already completed their Christmas stockpiling.

Price Declines by Specification

20/30 specification: Fell to $5.10 per kg.

30/40 specification: Dropped to $4.10 per kg.

40/50 specification: Suffered a larger decline, reaching $3.65 per kg.

60/70 specification: Experienced a relatively smaller decline.

Asia: Broad-Based Price Increases

In contrast to the situation in Ecuador, shrimp prices across major Asian production regions rose universally. The primary driver behind this trend was the tightening supply, particularly as harvest seasons neared their end in some areas, while festival-related demand remained robust.

🇮🇳India (Andhra Pradesh)

Prices rose by INR 5 per kg.

🇻🇳Vietnam

Prices increased by VND 1,000 per kg.

🇹🇭Thailand

Prices increased by THB 2.5-5.0 per kg.

Regional Price Drivers

India: The price increase was mainly due to the end of the harvest season leading to supply shortages, compounded by the impact of white spot disease on some farms.

Vietnam: The price of 30-count specification shrimp saw a notable rise, increasing by approximately 46% compared to summer lows, as raw material supply dwindled.

Indonesia: Prices showed a mixed trend, with smaller and medium specifications experiencing declines.

Underlying Factors: The Bigger Picture

The apparent price divergence between the two regions is underpinned by deeper supply chain dynamics:

• Seasonal Demand Shifts: European Christmas preparations were completed early, creating a temporary demand vacuum.

• Disease Impact: White spot disease in India reportedly reduced production by about 30%, exacerbating supply shortages.

• Currency Fluctuations: The depreciation of the Vietnamese dong increased export costs, indirectly influencing pricing.

Conclusion: A Market in Motion

The global shrimp market in Week 48 of 2025 painted a complex picture. While Ecuadorian shrimp farmers grappled with the consequences of a bumper harvest and waning seasonal demand, Asian processors found themselves contending with supply constraints and robust festival demand. This price dichotomy highlights the intricate interplay of regional production cycles, disease outbreaks, and global demand fluctuations that characterize the shrimp industry.、

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"The shrimp market's seesaw effect this week is a microcosm of global agricultural economics, where regional seasons and unexpected events create ripple effects worldwide."

—— Agricultural Market Analyst