Record production and rising shipments to the United States are strengthening Ecuador’s position in the global shrimp trade, while India faces a more challenging export environment.
Ecuador and India continued to strengthen their positions as major shrimp-producing countries in 2025, with both recording record export performance. Ecuador has maintained its growth momentum into 2026, raising the possibility that it could overtake India as the leading shrimp supplier to the US market.
Ecuador’s export expansion has been supported by strong production growth and increasing demand from international buyers. The country’s shrimp industry has continued to build on its established export base, with the United States becoming an increasingly important destination alongside China and European markets.
The latest figures indicate that Ecuador’s shrimp exports reached an all-time high in May 2026. The country shipped 165,538 metric tonnes during the month, representing a 9% year-on-year increase. Export value also reached a record US$847 million, up 8% from May 2025.
Ecuador’s cumulative exports through May stood at 668,763 metric tonnes, an increase of 13% compared with the same period in 2025. Export value reached US$3.52 billion, representing 12% growth. These figures underline the scale of the country’s expanding shrimp production and its ability to supply major international markets.
The United States has emerged as a particularly strong growth market for Ecuadorian shrimp. In May, Ecuador exported 32,715 metric tonnes to the US, an increase of 23% year on year. Cumulative shipments to the market reached 145,696 metric tonnes, up 29%.
China remains Ecuador’s largest shrimp destination, although the US and European markets are becoming increasingly important to the country’s export strategy. In May, Ecuador shipped 83,466 metric tonnes to China, while cumulative exports to the country reached 342,669 metric tonnes, representing 17% growth.
India, meanwhile, continues to be a major global shrimp supplier but faces a more difficult trading environment in the US. Tariff changes and shifting buyer preferences have affected the competitiveness of Indian shrimp exports, creating opportunities for competing suppliers such as Ecuador, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The changing market dynamics are also influencing the broader global shrimp trade. US importers are reassessing sourcing strategies as tariff differences alter the relative competitiveness of major producing countries. Ecuador’s strong production growth and expanding US shipments could therefore give it an advantage in the competition for American buyers.
Ecuador’s continued export growth highlights the importance of production efficiency, market diversification and access to international buyers in the shrimp industry. If the country maintains its current momentum, it could strengthen its position as the leading shrimp supplier to the United States while further expanding its influence in the global seafood market.