The global shrimp industry is navigating a complex landscape in the first half of 2026. While recovering demand in key markets brings optimism, producers and exporters are grappling with climbing logistics costs and fierce price competition. It is forecasted that companies prioritizing sustainable, resilient supply chains will be the ones to successfully redefine the market in the coming months.

The Bright Spot: China Leads Market Growth

China remains the standout performer this year, with a surging appetite for frozen shrimp and lobster that is opening new doors for exporters worldwide. Vietnam, for instance, shipped over USD 711 million worth of shrimp to China and Hong Kong in the first five months alone, a striking 46.4% jump from the same period last year. India is riding this wave too, cementing China as a vital growth engine for major producing nations.

Meanwhile, stable demand across Europe, Australia, Canada, and the UK is offering exporters a welcome safety net to reduce their dependence on a single market.

Cautious Waters in the U.S. Market

The U.S. market, however, tells a different story. In the first 4 months of 2026, total U.S. shrimp imports dipped by 11% in value, falling to roughly USD 2.05 billion. Inflationary pressures and shifting sourcing strategies have made buyers noticeably cautious.

We are seeing Ecuador aggressively capturing market share with highly competitive pricing, putting immense pressure on suppliers from India and Vietnam. Adding to the complexity, regulators in the U.S. are tightening food safety monitoring for imported seafood, meaning meticulous compliance is no longer optional, it is essential.

The Squeeze: Rising Freight and Operating Costs

Just as we have seen with past logistical hurdles, ocean freight rates spiked again through May and June, particularly on routes bound for North America and Europe. Frozen shrimp exporters are feeling the pinch from every angle, facing steeper costs for refrigerated containers, cold storage, and port handling.

The real challenge for the industry lies at the farm level. Farm-gate shrimp prices in several producing countries are lingering at relatively low levels despite climbing production costs. This painful gap between operating expenses and selling prices continues to severely squeeze profit margins across the board.

The Path Forward: Sustainability as a Competitive Edge

To navigate these turbulent waters, buyers, especially in Japan and Europe, are prioritizing purchases of shrimp with trusted certifications like ASC and MSC. Forward-thinking producers are investing heavily in biosecurity and advanced farming technologies, such as Bio RAS, to boost survival rates while actively reducing their environmental footprint. Rather than engaging in brutal price wars over raw shrimp, many companies are wisely expanding their portfolios into value-added products.

How LP Foods Can Support Your Business

At LP Foods, we are positioned to help you adapt and thrive. We supply both premium raw/cooked shrimp and an elegant array of value-added options, featuring ASC-certified Vannamei shrimp, Organic Black Tiger shrimp, and ready-to-cook items including breaded, tempura, marinated, and skewered shrimp.

To ensure uncompromising quality and resilience, our supply chain is strictly anchored in raw materials originating primarily from Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. This strategic sourcing allows us to expertly serve high-standard export markets such as the US, EU, and Japan,…

With reliable sourcing, flexible processing capabilities, and bespoke packaging solutions, we help retailers, distributors, and foodservice partners deliver the exceptional, high-quality seafood that today’s discerning market demands.

Sources: Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP); Undercurrent News.

With a legacy of excellence since 1920, LP Foods connects the rich waters of Vietnam, India, and Indonesia to global markets, ensuring quality in every shipment.

To discuss your specific requirements, please connect with us at: info@lpfoods.com.sg