Shrimp imports decline in the United States, and hurricanes challenge the homeland

Recently, the US shrimp import market has shown a new trend.Imports fell 12 per cent again in July after falling 14 per cent year-on-year in June, and total imports so far this year are also significantly lower than in previous years, down 4 per cent, 19 per cent and 16 per cent from 2023,2022 and 2021 respectively.

In terms of major suppliers, Ecuador and India performed differently.In July, U.S. imports from Ecuador fell sharply by 30 percent, possibly related to the imposition of preliminary anti-dumping duties.In contrast, imports from India remained stable, with market share growing to 38% from 36% in 2023, while Ecuador's market share remained at 27%.

In addition, Indonesia and Vietnam, the other two major suppliers, also experienced a decline in export volume.However, Vietnam's cumulative annual imports still increased by 4% year-on-year, showing strong market adaptability.

Meanwhile, Florida is facing the threat of Category 5 Hurricane Milton, and the state's largest shrimp farm and local residents are preparing for emergency.Hurricane Helen had already caused partial damage to shrimp farms, while Hurricane Milton's wind and flood threats were equally severe.This disaster may lead to limited shrimp production in the United States, further affecting market demand.

Against this background, demand for shrimp in the United States is gradually recovering.Considering the impact of the hurricane on shrimp production in the United States, it is expected that the United States will increase the number of white shrimp imports from India and Ecuador in the later period to meet market demand.This trend will have a profound impact on the US shrimp import pattern and may prompt the US to further adjust its import strategy and seek more stable and diversified supply channels.