Ecuador is emerging as a major competitor to Indian shrimp in the US market, as the country shifts its export focus from China to the US due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Ecuador's proximity to the United States has shortened the transit time for shrimp exports from Ecuador to the United States, which is conducive to Ecuador's supply to the United States at a lower price, thus forming a fierce competition with India.

Depending on the port, the transit time from India to the United States is about 40 days, leading to increased freight rates and higher landing costs.

Ecuador is the second largest shrimp supplier to the United States, with 19,832 tons in July at an average export price of $7.42 per kilogram. It has become the only country to supply at a lower price, with Indian shrimp around $9.10 per kilogram.