Introduction – Current State of Play: The Shrimp Sector in China
Let’s talk shrimp. China, one of the largest players in the global seafood scene, is currently experiencing a whirlwind of changes in its shrimp industry. From shifting import trends to bold new investments in farming technology, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year.
Why all the buzz? Well, in 2024, China saw a surprising 6.7% drop in shrimp imports—something that definitely raised eyebrows. But hold on—it wasn’t all bad news. By December, imports bounced back with a 28% year-on-year spike, hinting at a market rebound. Fast forward to mid-2025, and we’re seeing a mixed bag: some months down, others surging, but overall, the market is holding firm with prices staying strong.
On the domestic front, China’s not just sitting back. It’s investing heavily in sustainable aquaculture, green tech, and even solar-powered shrimp farms. Yep, shrimp and solar—who would’ve thought?
For businesses sourcing shrimp from China, staying informed is no longer optional—it’s essential. With economic shifts, policy changes, and supply chain disruptions happening almost monthly, you need to be agile, smart, and plugged in. And platforms like Freshdi are stepping in to do just that—offering verified supplier networks, market insights, and real-time RFQ tracking to keep buyers one step ahead.
Deep Dive – What’s Making Headlines? Key Recent News & Impacts
1. Shrimp Imports: A Rollercoaster Ride
2024 wasn’t easy. Shrimp imports into China dropped by 6.7%, thanks to macroeconomic turbulence and low domestic prices. But December flipped the script with a 28% jump, suggesting renewed demand.
Now in 2025, we’re seeing some shaky months—like January’s 28% drop—but by June, imports climbed to 85,901 metric tons, a 9% increase from the previous year. What’s fascinating? Even with a 4% volume dip overall, import value went up by 5% to $2.26 billion. That tells us demand is stable, and prices are firming up.
2. Indonesia’s Pivot to China
Indonesia, previously reliant on the U.S. for shrimp exports, got hit with a 19% U.S. tariff. The result? Big exporters like Denny Leonardo halted expansion plans, and over a million jobs are at risk. Now, Indonesia is looking to China as a lifeline, which could mean more competitive pricing and supply influx into the Chinese market.
3. Vietnam Becomes China’s Top Shrimp Source
In 2024, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to China hit $834 million, overtaking the U.S. as its top market. That’s a whopping 39% jump from 2023. China’s reduced domestic supply and pro-consumption policies are fueling this shift.
4. Homegrown Innovation: Aquaculture 2.0
China is revolutionizing shrimp farming with greenhouse-style setups and advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs). A standout project? The salt-light solar power station in Tianjin integrates solar energy, salt production, and shrimp farming all in one. It’s energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and scalable—exactly what the future needs.
5. Major Investments on the Rise
In 2023, the Tongwei Group poured CNY 1.2 billion (about USD 164 million) into a mega RAS facility in Shandong. This move signals a long-term commitment to domestic production, designed to cushion against import volatility and meet rising demand.
Top 6 Verified Shrimp Suppliers in China – Adapting to Today’s Market
When the market is this dynamic, choosing the right supplier is more important than ever. Based on export capability, certifications, and platform feedback from Freshdi, here are the top shrimp suppliers dominating China’s 2025 market.
1. Shandong Taicheng Foods Co., Ltd.
Known for its high-quality shrimp products tailored for the sushi and sashimi markets. Their spicy shrimp pastes have gained international popularity, and their operations are fully HACCP and ISO certified.
2. Xiamen Sanfengshun Import & Export Co., Ltd.
Specializes in Vannamei frozen shrimp and has broad distribution across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Their products are known for clean processing and consistent quality.
3. Beijing Shipuller Co., Ltd.
While better known for its tempura premix flour, this supplier has carved a niche in value-added shrimp products, especially for the foodservice and retail sectors.
4. Kingzest (Shenyang) Food Co., Ltd.
Their ready-to-fry shrimp products are popular in both domestic and export markets. Known for premium coating quality and long shelf life, they’re ideal for quick-service restaurants.
5. Dandong Huayi Foodstuff Co., Ltd.
Specializes in frozen, head-off dry shrimp. Their products are well-suited for bulk buyers and industrial processors, with reliable cold-chain logistics.
6. Xiamen Seapride Frozen Food Co., Ltd.
Focusing on fully cooked Vannamei shrimp, this supplier is favored by ready-meal manufacturers and hotel chains. Their consistent quality and fast delivery are big pluses.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind, rankings like this can shift quickly. Platforms like Freshdi often highlight “Suppliers of the Month” based on RFQ volume, export success stories, and buyer satisfaction. So, stay tuned for monthly updates!
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Shrimp Landscape in China
What does all this mean for your sourcing strategy? Let’s break it down.
1. Diversify Your Supply Chain
With Indonesia redirecting exports to China and Vietnam ramping up shipments, there’s a broader pool of suppliers—but also fiercer competition. Diversifying your supplier base across regions in China (Shandong, Fujian, Guangdong) can help mitigate risk.
2. Prepare for Price Volatility
Prices are firming up despite volume dips—this signals potential volatility ahead. Locking in contracts with trusted suppliers or using dynamic pricing tools on platforms like Freshdi can help you manage this.
3. Watch Out for Policy Shifts
China’s pro-consumption policy is boosting imports, but sudden shifts in tariffs or import regulations can still shake things up. Businesses should follow policy updates closely—Freshdi’s real-time alerts can be a game-changer here.
4. Invest in Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword anymore—it’s a business requirement. Buyers are increasingly favoring suppliers using RAS systems or zero-waste technologies. Partnering with eco-conscious suppliers can enhance your brand image and future-proof your supply chain.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Fast-Moving Market
Here’s the bottom line: China’s shrimp market in 2025 is a blend of challenges and opportunities. With import trends swinging, domestic production advancing through tech, and regional shifts in supply, businesses need to stay sharp.
If you’re sourcing shrimp, now’s the time to:
- Monitor RFQ trends and supplier rankings through platforms like Freshdi.
- Diversify your supply network to buffer against policy and economic swings.
- Prioritize suppliers who are innovating in sustainability and scale.
- Stay agile—because the next big shift could be just a headline away.
By staying informed and adapting fast, you’ll not only survive but thrive in this evolving market.
Seafood Sourcing Checklist (2025 Edition)
- ✅ Are your suppliers verified and certified?
- ✅ Do you have backup suppliers in different regions?
- ✅ Are you using platforms like Freshdi to monitor RFQ trends?
- ✅ Are you factoring in policy and tariff developments?
- ✅ Are your suppliers aligned with sustainable farming practices?
Future Outlook
With consumer demand rising and China investing heavily in aquaculture, expect steady growth in the shrimp sector. Innovations in sustainable farming and energy use will redefine the industry. And as trade routes shift, being plugged into platforms like Freshdi will help you stay ahead of the curve.
How Platforms Like Freshdi Empower Buyers
- 📊 Real-time RFQ trend analysis based on global news
- 🔍 Verified supplier profiles with performance metrics
- 📈 Dynamic ranking of top-rated suppliers
- ⚠️ Alerts for sudden market shifts or pricing changes
- 🌎 Seamless sourcing from multi-country suppliers
References
- S&P Global – China’s Shrimp Imports Fall 6.7% in 2024 But Recover at Year-End
- Shrimp Insights – China’s Shrimp Imports Recover in 2025
- Reuters – Indonesia Shifts Shrimp Exports to China After U.S. Tariffs
- The Investor – China Becomes Vietnam’s Largest Shrimp Market
- Mordor Intelligence – China Crustacean & Shrimp Market Reports
- IMARC Group – China Shrimp Market Forecast
FAQs
1. Why did shrimp imports in China drop in 2024?
The decline was mainly due to macroeconomic challenges and lower domestic shrimp prices, which reduced the need for imports.
2. How is Indonesia’s shrimp export strategy changing in 2025?
Facing high U.S. tariffs, Indonesia is now focusing on China and other Asian markets to offset export losses.
3. What makes Freshdi different from other sourcing platforms?
Freshdi offers real-time RFQ trends, verified supplier profiles, dynamic rankings, and alerts tailored to the latest market developments.
4. Are Chinese suppliers adopting sustainable farming methods?
Yes, many suppliers are now using greenhouse systems, RAS technology, and even solar-powered shrimp farms to ensure sustainability.
5. What’s the forecast for China’s shrimp market through 2033?
The market is projected to grow from 3.7 million tons in 2024 to 5.1 million tons by 2033, driven by rising consumption and tech innovation.
