Shrimp Market - Global Forecast 2025-2030

The Shrimp Market size was estimated at USD 46.96 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 50.68 billion in 2025, at a CAGR 7.86% to reach USD 73.95 billion by 2030.

Shrimp has emerged as the most widely consumed seafood in the United States, surpassing staples like salmon, tuna and tilapia due to its versatility, affordability and perceived health benefits. Globally, aquaculture production of aquatic animals has overtaken capture fisheries in total output for the first time, reflecting unprecedented growth and investment in shrimp farming systems adapted to meet surging demand. Meanwhile, industry projections indicate that global shrimp aquaculture output is on track to expand by approximately two percent in 2025, underscoring both the resilience and constraints of a market navigating oversupply and evolving consumer preferences.

This executive summary provides a comprehensive analysis of the key forces transforming the shrimp sector, from major supply chain innovations and regulatory shifts to nuanced consumer segmentation and regional market behaviors. Anchored by qualitative research and insights from primary interviews and reputable secondary sources, the narrative explores how dynamic segmentation, tariff landscapes, and competitive positioning are shaping strategic decision-making. The insights herein are tailored to equip executives and decision-makers with the clarity and foresight required to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate operational challenges in the ever-evolving global shrimp market.

The shrimp industry is experiencing a fundamental transition driven by what the Food and Agriculture Organization dubs the Blue Transformation, a holistic approach emphasizing better production, nutrition, environmental stewardship and livelihoods across aquatic food systems. This paradigm shift is manifest in new aquaculture techniques, such as precision feeding and genetic improvement, which are elevating productivity and sustainability standards, particularly in leading producing nations like Ecuador, India and Southeast Asian hubs. Concurrently, farmers in China, India, Malaysia and Vietnam are diversifying species mix by shifting from vannamei to black tiger shrimp to capture premium market segments and mitigate price volatility.

Technological advances and capital inflows have spurred the rise of recirculating aquaculture systems and pond farming equipped with real-time water quality monitoring, reducing environmental footprints while improving yield consistency. Meanwhile, global shrimp aquaculture output is expected to maintain moderate growth, with Rabobank forecasting a two percent increase in 2025 amid stabilized production in Asia and a recovery in Latin America. These innovations are complemented by digital supply chain platforms that enhance traceability from hatcheries to distribution channels, addressing consumer demand for transparency and enabling compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.

In early 2025, the United States implemented tariffs ranging from 10 to 46 percent on shrimp imports from major exporting countries in an effort to bolster domestic producers and level the playing field against low-cost foreign competition. These measures followed an average effective tariff rate increase from 2.5 percent to 16.6 percent under the IEEPA authority, marking the most significant escalation since 1910 and reflecting a contested debate over trade policy, domestic inflation and food security. U.S. shrimpers, particularly those along the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana, welcomed the move as a necessary intervention to counter a surge of imported shrimp that accounts for over 94 percent of U.S. consumption.

However, the cumulative impact of these tariffs extends beyond immediate pricing effects. While some shrimpers have reported short-term relief, concerns have arisen over potential cost increases in essential inputs like ropes, nets and fuel, which may erode profitability. Legal challenges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unfolding in federal appellate courts, adding uncertainty to the duration and structure of these duties. Further complicating the landscape, a 90-day pause on tariff rates introduced in April 2025 has prompted negotiations with trading partners and underscores the dynamic interplay between policy imperatives and industry realities.

Across product type dimensions, the shrimp market segments into variants such as head-on shell-on, headless shell-on, peeled deveined and peeled shell-on, each offering distinct processing complexities and margin structures that influence supply chain prioritization. The fresh versus frozen dichotomy further shapes distribution and shelf life strategies, with frozen shrimp subdivided into block frozen and individually quick frozen, catering to both bulk industrial buyers and foodservice operators that demand consistent portion control and quality. From a species perspective, giant tiger and whiteleg shrimp drive distinct value propositions, with the former commanding premium pricing due to larger size and textural attributes, and the latter offering volume-driven economics favored by mass-market retailers.

Source-based segmentation reveals contrasting operational imperatives: farmed shrimp operations span cage farming, pond farming and advanced recirculating systems designed for biosecurity, while wild-caught shrimp supply chains rely on trap and trawl methods that require robust cold-chain logistics and seasonality planning. Distribution channels encompass online retail platforms that leverage e-commerce convenience, specialized seafood retailers focused on curated assortments, and large-format supermarket chains that balance scale with promotional leverage. Finally, end users range from foodservice sectors-comprising hotels, catering and restaurant operators that emphasize menu innovation-to retail customers accessed through both organized supermarket formats and unorganized traditional outlets, with each end-use segment presenting unique margin, service and regulatory requirements.

In the Americas, the shrimp market is characterized by established aquaculture clusters in Ecuador, which harness technological modernization and vertical integration, and by the Gulf Coast wild-capture industry that leverages protected geographic indications and robust domestic distribution networks. Despite high import dependence, U.S. demand remains resilient, driven by retail promotions, quick-service restaurant partnerships and growing consumer consciousness around protein diversification.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) showcase a dual narrative: Europe’s emphasis on sustainability certifications and traceability mandates is reshaping procurement practices, while the Middle East is witnessing accelerated demand growth propelled by large-scale hospitality developments and rising per capita seafood consumption. Africa’s emerging shrimp aquaculture sectors, particularly in West African nations, benefit from trade agreements and investment in genetic improvement but face infrastructure bottlenecks that constrain export potential.

Asia-Pacific remains the largest global production powerhouse, with India, China, Vietnam and Indonesia collectively accounting for the majority of farmed shrimp output. However, shifting disease dynamics, climate variability and transitions to higher-value species such as black tiger are redefining regional competitiveness. Free trade arrangements, including the upcoming Ecuador–China agreement set to reduce tariffs on shrimp exports, further influence trade flows and regional pricing dynamics.

Thai Union Group PCL stands out as a global leader in seafood products, operating an extensive network of processing facilities in Asia, Europe and the United States, while prioritizing sustainability through certification programs and strategic acquisitions of value-added brands. Charoen Pokphand Foods is a major integrated producer renowned for its full traceability initiatives, third-party audited feed supply chains and membership in the Shrimp Sustainable Supply Chain Task Force, reflecting an industry-wide pivot towards transparency and ethical sourcing.

In North America, American Seafoods Group leverages its fleet of catcher-processor vessels to serve both domestic and international markets, exemplifying a vertically integrated model that enhances supply reliability and operational resilience. Meanwhile, regional specialists such as Santa Priscila and Omarsa in South America and Minh Phu and Songa in Southeast Asia have consolidated market share through product specialization, strategic partnerships and investment in processing technology, underscoring a fragmented competitive landscape where agility and niche positioning are critical.

Industry leaders should accelerate investments in sustainable aquaculture innovations, including recirculating systems and disease-resistant broodstock, to hedge against climate variability and align with evolving consumer expectations around environmental stewardship. Strengthening traceability and compliance with emerging international regulations will also be paramount, leveraging blockchain and digital platforms to provide end-to-end transparency and build brand trust.

Moreover, diversifying distribution channels through direct-to-consumer e-commerce models and strategic alliances with foodservice operators can unlock higher-margin opportunities and mitigate price pressure from bulk commodity sales. In the wake of tariff volatility, forward-looking companies must employ agile procurement strategies, balancing domestic sourcing with carefully timed imports, while engaging proactively in policy dialogue to shape equitable trade frameworks. Finally, cultivating partnerships with regional research institutions and leveraging data analytics will enable predictive demand planning and supply chain optimization, fostering resilience and sustainable growth.

This research framework combined extensive secondary desk analysis of authoritative sources such as FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture and Rabobank’s global aquaculture survey with primary qualitative interviews across a cross-section of shrimp producers, processors and trade associations. Trade data from GLOBEFISH and customs authorities provided granular insights into import-export flows and tariff impacts, while regulatory documents and corporate disclosures informed assessments of sustainability and compliance trends.

Market segmentation hypotheses were validated through consultations with industry experts and corroborated by field visits to representative aquaculture and processing facilities. The methodological design emphasized triangulation, ensuring that findings were robust and reflective of real-world dynamics. Additionally, peer-reviewed academic literature and specialized seafood trade publications were systematically reviewed to capture emerging technological advancements and best practices across the shrimp value chain.

The global shrimp market is at a strategic inflection point, shaped by transformative production methods, shifting consumer behaviors and evolving trade policies. The interplay of sustainable aquaculture innovations, tariff landscapes and dynamic segmentation underscores both the complexity and opportunity inherent in this sector. As competitive pressures mount, stakeholders who harness data-driven insights and adopt agile, sustainable practices will be best positioned to capture long-term value.

By integrating nuanced understanding of regional market drivers, segmentation imperatives and leading industry players, decision-makers can craft informed strategies that align with emerging trends and regulatory frameworks. The path forward necessitates a balanced focus on operational excellence, environmental responsibility and strategic risk management, ensuring resilience in the face of market volatility and fostering sustainable growth across the global shrimp industry.

To discuss how these comprehensive insights can empower your organization with unparalleled strategic intelligence, please reach out to Ketan Rohom, Associate Director, Sales & Marketing at 360iResearch. He will guide you through the detailed findings and help you secure access to the full market research report, ensuring you stay ahead in this dynamic and competitive shrimp market landscape.