For Ecuadorian exporters, Chinese prices are significantly lower than global markets, forcing most manufacturers to shift their focus to Europe and the United States, reducing dependence on the Chinese market.
At the Zhanjiang Water Expo (June 18-20), Paulo Faidutti, International Marketing Manager of Nirsa (Crown), told UCN in an interview: "As producers, we believe Chinese market prices are too low for us to sustain."
In recent years, Nirsa's "Real" brand head-on shell-on (HOSO) shrimp products have gained widespread recognition in the Chinese market due to their quality advantages, with sales volume exceeding 2,000 containers in 2024, equivalent to 45,000 tons. However, Nirsa plans to reduce exports to China this year and shift its marketing focus to other countries.
"We will reduce sales to China because prices are too low. We will increase sales to the United States, EU, and other global markets, simply because Chinese prices are too weak," Faidutti explained.
In week 26 (as of June 29), Ecuadorian 30/40 frozen products were CFR priced at $4.55/kg-4.70/kg, with domestic wholesale prices ranging from CNY 37.30/kg-CNY 40.40/kg ($5.20–$5.63/kg). Importers must bear a 4% tariff and 9% VAT, and when combined with freight and storage costs, the average profit margin is extremely low.
"Chinese prices need to rise for the welfare of shrimp farmers and the industry's future. Prices have been low for a long time, and we need to return to pre-pandemic levels," Faidutti noted, adding that the local live shrimp market in China is one factor affecting imported shrimp, "Consumers prefer live shrimp, and when large quantities enter the market, we are impacted."
Faidutti also pointed out that the Ecuadorian shrimp farming sector currently faces seasonal challenges, especially with temperatures dropping and slowing growth, with production expected to decrease in June, July, and August.
Besides HOSO products, Nirsa also supplies headless shrimp to China, and its plans for the Chinese market are not