According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in July 2021, the US spent 664.8 million USD importing 76,440 tons of shrimp, an increase of 12% in volume and 16% in value compared to the same period last month. Shrimp exports of the US recorded positive growth in eight consecutive months.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused difficulties in exporting shrimp to the US market, US consumers still prioritized protein-rich products, including shrimp. According to statistics, the import price of all products containing protein into the US increased, shrimp importing price in July 2021 was 3% more than that in July 2020 and June 2021.
India’s shrimp exports to the US continued to rise despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. India accounted for 39% of the total shrimp imports of the US in July 2021 with an export volume of 30,070 tons, equivalent to 250.8 million USD, an increase of 25% in volume and 22% in value over the same period in 2020. India currently continues to face various difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; nevertheless, the number of F0 cases and deaths has decreased, businesses have reoperated, and several states have been reopening schools.
Although shrimp output had decreased, India’s shrimp exports remained high. The first five months of 2021 saw an increase of 27% in shrimp exports of this country with 254,000 tons. The average price of Indian shrimp imports of the US reached 8.34USD/kg, down 2% and 1% compared to July 2020 and June 2021, respectively.
Ecuador is the second-largest shrimp supplier in the US market with a volume of 17,763 tons in July 2021, equalling 139.3 million USD, up 25% in volume and 56% in value over the same period last year. China suspended some large Ecuadorian shrimp exporters; thus, they are focusing on expanding their market share in the US. Ecuadorian shrimp exports to the United States averaged 7.84 USD/kg, up 25% and 9% compared to July 2020 (6.27 USD/kg) and June 2021 (7.17 USD), respectively. Ecuadorian prawns on the US market were cheaper than those from India and Indonesia.
Indonesia is the third largest shrimp supplier in the US. The overall value of the Indonesian shrimp exports to the US declined to 11,462 tons (100.7 million USD) in July 2021, down 6% in volume and 5% in value. The average price of Indonesian shrimp imports to the US was 8.79 USD/kg, up 1% compared to July 2020.
