In 2023, Ecuadorian shrimp exports once again set a new record, exports of nearly 1.2 million tonnes, an increase of 14% year-on-year, the export value of $6.29 billion, a decrease of 5% year-on-year, the average price of $5.18/kg, lower than the previous year's $6.28/kg.

China as the largest export market for Ecuadorian shrimp, last year's sales of more than 714,000 tonnes, accounting for 59% of the export share; export volume increased by 21% year-on-year, the export value fell by 2% to 3.5 billion U.S. dollars.

The EU is Ecuador's second largest market, exports of 213,000 tonnes, an increase of 18% year-on-year, accounting for 18% of the export share; export value of about 1.11 billion U.S. dollars, down 5%. Among them, France sales declined, Spain (64,600 tonnes), Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium sales increased.

The U.S. market ranked third, with sales of 206,000 tonnes last year, accounting for 17% of the share and exports of about $1.23 billion.

In terms of individual country export prices, China had the lowest price at $4.90/kg, down 19 per cent year-on-year; the US at $6.08/kg, down 13 per cent; and Spain at $4.91/kg, down 16 per cent.

In December 2023, Ecuadorian white shrimp exports maintained double-digit growth, exports of about 106,000 tonnes, an increase of 18% year-on-year. The U.S. increased significantly to 19,122 tonnes (up 9%); Spanish and Italian exports rose 15% and 50% to 4,243 tonnes and 3,537 tonnes, respectively.

Export prices continued their downward trend in December, averaging $4.75/kg, down from $4.81/kg in November, and down 13 per cent on the same month last year.