A Deep Dive into Europe's Shrimp Imports
Europe stands as one of the world's largest markets for shrimp, heavily reliant on imports to satisfy consumer demand. This interactive dashboard explores the key facets of the market, from the leading importing nations and their primary suppliers to long-term trends and the types of shrimp being consumed.
Total Import Value (2023)
~€6.7B
A slight decrease from the previous year, reflecting global price fluctuations.
Total Import Volume (2023)
850k+
Tonnes imported, showing sustained high demand across the continent.
Top Supplier
Ecuador
Leading the market with a significant share of warmwater shrimp exports.
Who Imports the Most?
The demand for shrimp is not uniform across Europe. Southern European countries, with strong seafood culinary traditions, are typically the largest importers. This section visualizes the top importing countries by the value of shrimp they bring in. Use the filter to see how the landscape has changed in recent years.
Where Does Europe's Shrimp Come From?
Europe's domestic shrimp production is minimal, making it highly dependent on a few key global suppliers. Latin America and Asia dominate the supply chain. The chart below shows the market share of the top five exporting countries to the EU. Hover over a segment to learn more about each country's role.
Ecuador
Ecuador is the undisputed leader, primarily exporting farmed Pacific white shrimp (L. vannamei). Its large-scale aquaculture industry allows it to supply vast quantities, making it a crucial partner for major European markets like Spain and France.
Market Evolution Over Time
The European shrimp market has seen steady growth over the past decade, though it faces volatility from supply chain issues, pricing, and shifting consumer habits. This chart illustrates the trends in total import volume and value. Use the buttons to switch between the two metrics and observe the market's trajectory.
The Shrimp Product Mix
The type of shrimp imported varies significantly. Farmed warmwater shrimp, particularly the Pacific white shrimp, overwhelmingly dominates the market due to its scalability and competitive pricing. Wild-caught coldwater shrimp, like Pandalus borealis, serves a more niche, higher-value segment. The chart below breaks down the import volume by these major categories.
Frozen Warmwater Shrimp (Farmed)
This category, mainly L. vannamei, accounts for the vast majority of imports. It's the go-to product for retailers and the food service industry due to its consistent supply and versatility.
Frozen Wild-Caught Shrimp (Warm & Cold Water)
Includes species like Argentinian red shrimp and Pandalus borealis. These are often marketed as premium products with a distinct flavor profile, appealing to specific consumer segments.
Prepared & Value-Added
A growing segment that includes cooked, peeled, and breaded shrimp products, catering to consumer demand for convenience.