Shrimp import eased in Europe, price retreat amid high inventory

European Union shrimp imports eased in August after months of strong inflows during which a stronger euro lifted purchasing power for buyers, according to Eurostat data and market participants.

EU imports totaled about 387,000 mt between January and August 2025, up 12% year over year, while the total import value rose 18% to $2.84 billion. August shipments dipped 6% from a year earlier to 48,245 mt, signaling a normalization in trade flows after an extended period of restocking earlier in the year.

The euro's 6.8% appreciation against the US dollar since January has improved buying conditions in Europe. Ecuador, the EU's largest shrimp supplier, has maintained firm volumes but seen profitability eroded by weaker Chinese demand and US tariffs that have diverted trade toward Europe.

"Market shifts driven by US tariffs and weakening Chinese demand have hurt Ecuadorian exporters' profitability despite stable volumes," said Bert Van Loock, chief executive officer of Aquamarine Tradimer company based in Belgium. He added that Ecuador is increasing production of value-added shrimp such as Easy Peel and Nobashi formats to offset margin losses, while India and Indonesia continue to face raw-material shortages and logistics delays.

Prices under pressure

Shrimp prices, which typically firm during the September-October procurement window, have softened this year as high inventories and cheaper replacement stock weigh on sentiment. On Oct. 23, Platts assessed HOSO shrimp CIF Europe at $5,200/mt, down from $5,310/mt on Aug. 28.

Importers said retail and foodservice demand across northern and central Europe remains steady for semi-processed formats such as peeled, deveined, tail-on and other value-added products. However, exporters expect margins to remain compressed through the fourth quarter, with the stronger euro and rising storage costs limiting room for price recovery.