The European Union imported 628,128 metric tonnes of raw frozen Penaeus and value-added shrimp in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the previous quarterly record by 11%. The volume represents an 18% increase over the same period in 2024.
Monthly growth was steady in January and February at 8% each, followed by a sharp rise of 39% in March. Southern EU markets saw a slow start in January but recorded a 15% increase in February and a 42% jump in March, ending Q1 up 17% year over year. Northwestern EU imports rose 22%, while Eastern EU saw a 13% decline.
Imports of raw frozen shrimp increased by 16%, while value-added shrimp products, such as cooked and marinated items, rose 32%, indicating changing demand patterns.
Ecuador and India were the leading contributors to the rise, with volumes up 32% and 34%, respectively. Imports from Vietnam and Bangladesh also increased, while Venezuela’s exports to the EU dropped by 42%.
The total value of shrimp imports reached €628.1 million, up 34% year over year. March alone accounted for €231.7 million, a 56% increase compared to March 2024.
Average import prices remained higher than in early 2024 but showed a slight decline from late 2024 levels.
