AsemconnectVietnam - China's shrimp imports in 2025 showed a trend towards higher value.

This development reflects a shift in consumer behavior – as buyers are willing to spend more on high-quality, safe, and easy-to-process products – while opening up significant opportunities for supplying countries with advantages in the high-end segment, including Vietnam.
China's shrimp imports decreased in volume, increased in value
In 2025, China imported a total of 901,563 tons of shrimp, a 2% decrease compared to the previous year, but the value will reach US$4.79 billion, a 5% increase.
The difference between the growth in value and volume indicated that the average import price has increased. The monthly trends also showed a clear seasonal pattern. Import volume gradually increased from the second quarter, peaking in the June-August period, then cooling down towards the end of the year. December imports reached only 82,409 tonnes, a 9% decrease compared to the same period of 2025, contributing to a slight decrease in the total volume for the year while import value continued its upward trend.
China's shrimp supply continued to be concentrated in a few key countries, with Ecuador playing a dominant role. In 2025, China imported 651,866 tonnes from Ecuador, a 3% decrease from the previous year but still accounting for over 70% of total imports.
In 2025, India emerged as the main growth source with 149,599 tonnes, a 6% increase. Thailand reached 27,739 tonnes, a 19% increase, Argentina reached 19,170 tonnes, a 10% increase, and Indonesia reached 13,137 tonnes, a sharp 28% increase.
The increased presence of many countries showed that China is actively diversifying its supply sources instead of relying solely on Ecuador. This presents a significant gap for exporters with differentiated products, especially in the processed and premium segments.
Changing consumer trends: prioritizing quality and premium products
Along with improved incomes and the strong development of modern retail channels, e-commerce, and restaurant chains, Chinese consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety, traceability, and culinary experiences. Demand is no longer solely focused on cheap frozen raw shrimp but is shifting towards premium shrimp, live shrimp, large-sized shrimp, and processed products.
This shift has provided a significant impetus for Vietnam's high-value shrimp products, especially lobster and tiger shrimp – products suitable for the restaurant, hotel, and catering segments.
According to Vietnam Customs data, in 2025, Vietnam's shrimp exports to China reached US$1.2 billion, a 61% increase compared to 2024. China continued to be Vietnam's largest shrimp import market.
The structure of shrimp exports to China in 2025 was also noteworthy. The exports of whiteleg shrimp and tiger shrimp are expected to increase by 6% and 5% respectively. Meanwhile, other shrimp varieties (mainly live/fresh/frozen shrimp) more than doubled and accounted for over 65% of the total export value.
Notably, lobster has emerged as the leading product. Exports of lobster to China accounted for almost all of Vietnam's lobster exports to the world. In addition, tiger shrimp continued to maintain a clear advantage in the high-end segment, serving high-quality restaurants and consumers.
The advantage is not in price but in quality
Ecuador and India still dominated the low-price shrimp segment, where economies of scale and production costs allow them to sell at competitive prices. If Vietnamese businesses were to enter the low-price race, they would find it difficult to win.
Conversely, Vietnam's advantage lies in its processing capabilities, product flexibility, and premium shrimp lines. As the Chinese market shifts towards higher-quality consumption, this is the ideal segment for Vietnamese shrimp to consolidate its position.
The trend of Chinese shrimp imports in 2025 showed that the market will continue to import heavily, but in a more selective manner. While the volume may not increase dramatically, the value and standards of the products will become increasingly higher. Suppliers who meet quality, traceability, and deep processing requirements will have a clear advantage.
With the current growth momentum and advantages in geography, logistics, and processing experience, Vietnamese shrimp has the opportunity to expand its market share. However, the company still needs to increase added value, promote high-end products, and build direct relationships with distribution systems in China.
CK
Source: VITIC/vasep.com.vn