Brazilian shrimp knocks on the door of China market. What is the prospect?

Brazilian shrimp, which has long been constrained by China's strict certification requirements and has struggled to play a role in China's potential market, is now expected to turn around, and China may lift import restrictions on Brazilian shrimp in the near future, which will bring new opportunities for Brazilian exporters. 

Itamar Rocha, president of the Brazilian Shrimp Producers Association, said the Brazilian government had made positive progress in negotiations with trade groups and the China government.  Brazil is expected to obtain export authorization to China in the next 30 to 40 days, and the first shrimp products are expected to enter the China market in 2025.  Brazilian shrimp production this year is about 210,000 to 220,000 tons, although lower than Ecuador, but Brazil's small-size shrimp may meet the specific needs of the China market. 

Brazilian shrimp faces many challenges in entering China market.  Brazil's domestic shrimp prices are higher than those on the international market, which may limit the size of its exports in terms of cost and price competitiveness.  Ecuadorian shrimp dominates the China market and its share continues to grow. However, due to the energy crisis and production adjustment, Ecuadorian shrimp exports to China declined for five months in 2024, creating an entry opportunity for Brazilian shrimp. 

Although China's domestic shrimp production is growing, consumer demand for prawns remains strong and the market seeks more sources of supply.  As China's import demand rises, Brazilian shrimp has the opportunity to become an important supplement to the China market.  For Brazil's shrimp industry to succeed, it is necessary to pay close attention to price fluctuations in the international market and adjust them in time, and strictly abide by China import standards.  The opening of China market is an important opportunity for Brazilian shrimp exports and will also promote the evolution of global shrimp industry pattern.  In this process, Brazil shrimp industry needs to accurately position itself, give full play to its advantages, overcome its disadvantages, occupy a place in China market under the increasingly fierce competition environment of global shrimp products, and urge other shrimp producing countries to examine their own strategies and jointly shape the new competitive pattern of global shrimp industry.