The price of Ecuadorian white shrimp (vannamei) in the Chinese market continued to decline in the 50th week of 2025 (December 8th to 14th), continuing the downward trend of the previous weeks.

  According to the latest quotations, the CFR China (landed customs) retail packaged white shrimp price for salted frozen products has dropped by $0.05 to $0.10 per kilogram. However, the quotations for single-frozen (IQF) and large-packaged salted frozen products remain stable.

  Although most Ecuadorian exporters have been cutting their quotations for several consecutive weeks, some large enterprises - including industry leader Santa - chose to maintain prices this week to stabilize the market. This led to a slight narrowing of the decline this week compared to the previous weeks.

  However, Chinese market participants generally believe that there is still further room for prices to fall. The decline in transaction volume in major wholesale markets indicates a low buying sentiment.

  On the export side, Ecuador exported 50,722 tons of white shrimp to China in October 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 12%. The average unit price is 4.90 US dollars per kilogram, an increase of 4% compared with the same period last year. This marks the end of the year-on-year decline trend in August and September, as China's import inventories dropped significantly in October

  Relying on sales volume in the Chinese market at the expense of profit margins is not a sustainable long-term strategy. Understanding this balance is the key to remaining clear-headed and disciplined in 2026.

  The price of white shrimp from Ecuadorian ponds has fallen for the fourth consecutive week. In Week 50, the 40/50 specification saw the largest decline, with a drop of $0.20 per kilogram. The 20/30, 30/40 and 50/60 specifications each dropped by 0.15 US dollars. The 60/70 specification dropped by 0.10 US dollars. The 70/80 specification remains stable.

  Industry insiders point out that the end of winter stockpiling and the increase in production have jointly led to the sluggish market. "Purchases for the Spring Festival and Christmas have both ended. This happens every year," said a source close to Ecuadorian producers. European buyers have not placed any new orders for the time being, and the wholesale prices of imports from the United States are also under pressure.

  Meanwhile, the domestic pond head prices in China have shown a differentiated trend. Fujian region rebounded after a sharp decline last week, with the 60-head specification rising by 1 yuan (about 0.14 US dollars) per kilogram. Shandong, however, dropped by 2 yuan. Prices in Guangdong, Jiangsu and Guangxi remained stable.

  However, the rising cost of breeding has become a new hidden concern. The increase in fish meal prices has led to a rise in feed costs. Many feed mills may adjust their formulas to cope with the rising raw material prices, which has raised concerns among farmers about the risk of a decline in feed quality.