Chinese importers typically ramp up stockpiling during Sept-Oct-Nov, ahead of year-end holidays and the Lunar New Year suring Feb 17 and Mar 3, 2026

China's Shrimp Imports Surge 10%, Fueling Fierce Market Competition

CHINA
Friday, December 12, 2025, 11:00 (GMT + 9)

Vietnam Solidifies Position as Key Supplier Amid Rising Demand for Premium Products

China has witnessed a significant increase in its shrimp imports, a rise that is intensifying global competition among suppliers. According to Chinese customs data, by the end of October 2025, the total value of shrimp imports into China hit approximately US$4.3 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge in value comes despite only a slight 1% increase in global production, indicating a strong willingness among Chinese consumers to pay more for shrimp products, leading to higher average selling prices, as noted by Ms. Kim Thu, Shrimp Market Expert at the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

In the first ten months of the year, Ecuador, the largest supplier of shrimp to China, saw a minor 1% dip in volume, yet its export value still climbed by 9%. This suggests that Ecuador is focusing on higher-value products, such as larger shrimp, or successfully maintaining premium pricing.

Other strong competitors, including India and Thailand, also reported significant growth in their shrimp export value to China, increasing by 16% and 14% respectively. Notably, much of this growth occurred in September and October, a period when Chinese importers typically ramp up stockpiling ahead of year-end holidays and the Lunar New Year. This market dynamic underscores that the competition to supply China is now heavily focused not only on price but also on the ability to meet peak demand with prompt supply.

Black Tiger Shrimp: Vietnam's High-End Advantage

Vietnam's shrimp exports to the Chinese and Hong Kong markets continue to accelerate. Data from Vietnam Customs shows that as of November 15, 2025, the export value reached approximately US$1.2 billion, a remarkable 60% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Exports to mainland China alone jumped by 66%, helping Vietnam to consolidate its position among the market's crucial shrimp suppliers.

While lobster holds the highest proportion in Vietnam’s shrimp export structure to China, Vietnamese tiger shrimp maintains a clear competitive edge in China and Hong Kong, which is the number one market for this specific product. The tiger shrimp serves a high-end segment, primarily catering to the restaurant, hotel, and catering service sectors, as well as consumers who demand consistent quality and size.

The trend of increasing import value with minimal volume growth suggests a clear market preference among Chinese consumers for higher-end, conveniently processed products. This opens substantial opportunities for high-quality tiger prawn products, value-added processed prawns, and packaged prawns under Vietnamese brands.

To capitalize on the opportunities in this increasingly fierce market, businesses should focus on promoting high-quality frozen tiger shrimp, and proactively plan production, procurement, and inventory to ensure a stable supply of whiteleg shrimp. Additionally, industry players are advised to regularly monitor new regulations and standards, build robust quality management systems, and maintain complete records of farming areas and processing plants to ensure smooth customs clearance, thereby reducing the risk of additional costs and order delays.

China's shrimp imports from India, Thailand and Ecuador, January-October 2025. Click on the image to enlarge it

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