US shrimp imports continued to decline in April 2026, reflecting weak market demand and a shift in supply structure. According to the latest figures, the US imported 58,712 tons of shrimp in April, down 16% compared to the same period last year. For the first four months of the year, import volume reached 240,368 tons, down 12%, while the value reached $2.139 billion, down 10% compared to the same period in 2025.
In terms of product structure, frozen peeled shrimp still accounted for the largest share with 31,404 tons in April, down 12%; the cumulative figure for the first four months reached 125,788 tons, down 9%. Frozen whole shrimp decreased sharply by 16%, to 15,150 tons; cooked and marinated shrimp saw the deepest decline, at 35%, down to 6,900 tons. Conversely, breaded shrimp was the only product group to maintain growth, reaching 5,219 tons in April, up 1%; the cumulative figure for the first four months increased by 11%.
In terms of supply, Ecuador became the largest supplier to the US market in April with 23,304 tons, a 17% increase year-on-year. For the first four months of the year, exports from Ecuador reached 86,273 tons, a 15% increase, further expanding its market share in the US.
Meanwhile, imports from traditional suppliers have all declined sharply. India exported 15,890 tons to the US in April, down 40%; Indonesia reached 10,578 tons, down 24%; Vietnam reached 2,785 tons, down 29%; and Thailand reached 1,976 tons, down 11%. This trend suggests that Ecuador is emerging as the biggest beneficiary amidst the fact that US shrimp imports remain lower than the previous year.
