Global Shrimp Prices Split in Early 2026 as India Rises and China Softens Post-Holiday

Shrimp prices around the world entered a “seasonal shift” in the second week of 2026. India saw continued price increases driven by off-season supply shortages, while China experienced the expected post-holiday demand cooldown. Vietnam and Ecuador stayed stable, Thailand saw slight easing, and Indonesia continued to recover from recent disruptions.

India: Off-Season Tight Supply Pushes Vannamei Prices Higher

Vannamei white shrimp prices in Andhra Pradesh increased for the second consecutive week, rising 5 rupees/kg (approx. US$0.06) across most sizes. Processors reported extremely limited raw material availability, with the major fishing season not expected to resume until mid-April.

“There is almost no raw material available right now; prices have been climbing for a month,” one Indian exporter noted.

Industry insiders expect a small influx of new raw material within 10 days.

India’s Production Shift: Monodon Output Set to Double in 2026

Veteran farmer Manoj Sharma predicts:

  • Monodon (black tiger shrimp): Increasing from 60,000+ tons to 120,000–150,000 tons
  • Vannamei: Stable at 850,000–900,000 tons
  • Total 2026 shrimp production: Expected to exceed 1 million tons

This shift is driven by white shrimp farming failures in high-salinity regions and U.S. anti-dumping tariffs of up to 50%.

China: Post-Holiday Demand Cools, Triggering a Short-Term Price Correction

After strong December and pre–New Year demand, Chinese farmgate prices saw a brief correction:

  • Guangdong (60-count): -3 yuan/kg (≈ US$0.41)
  • Fujian: -2 yuan/kg
  • Shandong: -1 yuan/kg
  • Jiangsu, Guangxi: Stable

Analysts view this as temporary. With the Spring Festival on February 17, the next price surge is expected soon.

“Many farms harvested heavily before New Year’s Day, so pond inventory is limited. The Spring Festival peak will likely push prices up again,” one industry source reported.

Vietnam: Raw Material Shortage Keeps Shrimp Prices Firm

Vietnam’s white shrimp prices stayed stable across sizes 30–90, following recent increases driven by severe raw material shortages.

Black tiger shrimp prices also remained unchanged.

A Ho Chi Minh City consultancy noted:

“Trading is quiet and processors are buying only limited volumes. Prices are firm but lack strong upward momentum.”

Ecuador: Market Pauses as Buyers Clear Holiday Inventory

Ecuadorian pond prices held steady for most sizes (20/30 to 80/100), with a slight $0.10/kg increase for 50/60.

During the holidays, U.S. and European buyers prioritized inventory liquidation. Analysts expect a mild recovery once buying resumes in late January.

Thailand & Indonesia: Post-Disaster Ripple Effects Continue

Thailand

Following last year’s floods, Thai shrimp prices had rebounded but showed a mild correction this week:

  • 80-count: -5 baht/kg (≈ US$0.15)
  • Other sizes stable

Southern production remains slow, with January output estimated at 12,000–16,000 tons, still below normal levels.

Indonesia

East Java shrimp prices remained flat across 30–100 counts.

Sumatra’s earlier floods disrupted transportation, and despite partial recovery, the industry faces continued pressure from:

  • U.S. tariff uncertainty
  • Japan’s radiation testing requirements

Market participants say a near-term price rebound is unlikely.

· LinkedIn: Ocean Treasure World Foods Limited: Overview | LinkedIn

· Facebook: Ocean Treasure | Facebook

· Instagram: Ocean Treasure | Instagram photos and videos

Ocean Treasure World Foods Limited logo

Share this article

Articles by Category

Learn more about our products

Catalogue by Email

Get the complete product catalogue or brochure in your email box.

Please fill in your information

Get in touch!

Our multilingual professional team listens to your specific needs and cooperates in your own language.

Please fill in your information