China's White Shrimp Market Import Pattern Remodeling: Diversification Trend Appears

Recently, the customs import and export data for July 2024 released by the General Administration of Customs of China reveal the latest developments in China's white shrimp market, among which the changes in import volume and structure attract particular attention.  This series of data not only reflects the subtle adjustment of the global white shrimp supply chain, but also indicates that the Chinese white shrimp market is gradually moving towards a new stage of diversified development. 

Total imports increased steadily, Ecuador's share of white shrimp fine-tuned 

According to the data, the total amount of frozen prawns imported from China reached 80,000 tons in July, an increase of 4% month-on-month, showing the continuous demand for high-quality white shrimp products in the domestic market.  However, in the context of this overall growth, the import volume of traditional "overlord" Ecuadorian white shrimp has declined by 5%, from a high in June to 59,800 tons, accounting for 74%, but subtle changes in market share cannot be ignored.  Behind this change is the dual effect of increased market competition and changes in consumer preferences. 

Indian White Shrimp Emerges, Market Competition Intensifies 

The decrease in imports of white shrimp from Ecuador provided market space for other suppliers, with Indian white shrimp performing particularly well.  In July, Indian white shrimp imports surged 38 percent to 15,000 tons, becoming the main force filling Ecuador's white shrimp gap.  This change not only reflects the advantages of Indian white shrimp in quality, price or supply chain efficiency, but also reflects the urgent need for diversified import sources in China's white shrimp market. 

Emerging markets emerge, supply patterns become increasingly diversified 

In addition to India, emerging markets such as Venezuela and Indonesia are also emerging in China's white shrimp import market.  Venezuela exported 1355 tons of white shrimp to China in July, while Indonesia exported 1025 tons, both of which achieved significant growth.  The accession of these countries has further enriched the supply channels of China's white shrimp market, promoted the full development of market competition, and provided consumers with more diversified choices. 

Frequent quality problems force supplier countries to improve quality 

The decrease in Ecuador's white shrimp imports can be attributed in part to frequent quality problems, such as sodium pyrosulfite exceeding the standard and laboratory reports inconsistent with actual customs inspections, which directly lead to frequent container returns and slow customs clearance.  This not only damages the brand image of Ecuadorian white shrimp, but also provides opportunities for other suppliers to improve product quality and seize market share.  This event reminds us once again that quality is the lifeline of the market, and no country or enterprise can ignore this point. 

Shrimp prices rebound in domestic market, international prices fluctuate 

In the domestic market, the continued shortage of prawns has driven the recovery of shrimp prices, with shrimp prices rising in Guangdong Province and Jiangsu Province, which is a positive signal for shrimp producers and consumers.  However, the price of white shrimp in the international market presents a complex fluctuation trend.  Vietnam's large-sized white shrimp prices soared, Thailand's white shrimp prices also rose, while Ecuador's small-sized shrimp prices remained stable but large-sized shrimp trading volume was limited.  These changes reflect the complexity of the supply-demand relationship and price mechanism in the global white shrimp market.