Shrimp Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

2020

• Import Price: The average import price for shrimp into the U.S. in 2020 was $12.27 per kilogram, the highest in a five-year span from 2016-2020. This spike likely reflects supply chain disruptions and heightened demand during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

• Export Price: U.S. shrimp exports averaged $16.26 per kilogram, with total export value at $135 million for 8,952 tons, down from 10,329 tons in 2019 due to reduced global trade activity.

• Context: Gulf of Mexico landings were 30% below the 2002-2018 average at 69.2 million pounds (heads-off), with ex-vessel prices for larger shrimp (U15 count) at $9.50 per pound and smaller sizes (41-50 count) under $2.00 per pound, reflecting a split market driven by import competition.

2021

• Import Price: Prices dropped to $9.94 per kilogram, a significant decline from 2020, likely due to stabilizing supply chains and increased global production post-pandemic disruptions.

• Export Price: Exports surged to a value of $186 million, a 69% increase from 2020, with prices holding strong as volume recovered.

• Retail Trends: Retail sales grew, with shrimp comprising 27.4% of seafood department sales. Higher wholesale prices pushed dollar sales up 2.5% despite steady volume, per Nielsen data.

2022

• Import Price: Prices rose to $11.16 per kilogram by year-end, a 10% increase from 2021’s annual average of $12.7 per kilogram, driven by logistical costs (high freight rates, marine fuel prices) and global demand.

• Wholesale and Retail: Wholesale prices climbed, with predictions of a 7% annual increase to $15 per kilogram due to supply constraints. Retail prices averaged $9 per pound, 40% above wholesale, indicating retailer resistance to lowering prices despite import fluctuations.

• Context: U.S. imports dropped 18% in volume and 29% in value in the first half compared to 2021, reflecting reduced consumer purchasing power post-COVID subsidies.

2023

• Import Price: The average import price in June was $8,249 per ton ($8.25 per kilogram), down 1.7% from May, continuing a mild descent from a $9.32 per kilogram peak in June 2022. Predictions suggested $11.50 per kilogram by year-end, though oversupply pressures may have tempered this.

• Market Dynamics: Global oversupply persisted into late 2023, keeping wholesale prices low, yet retail prices remained sticky at $9 per pound, frustrating exporters as consumer demand shifted to cheaper proteins like chicken ($4.20 per pound).

• Gulf Landings: Low landings continued, with prices for larger shrimp likely stable or slightly higher than 2022’s $9.50 per pound for U15 count.

2024

• Import Price: Estimated at $11.75 per kilogram based on prior forecasts, though actual data is incomplete. Oversupply from producers like India and Ecuador likely kept wholesale prices suppressed.

• Retail and Wholesale: Retail prices held firm, with reports suggesting little reduction from 2023’s $9 per pound, while wholesale prices dipped, widening margins. Gulf shrimp prices for larger counts may have stayed elevated due to low domestic landings.

• Market Size: The U.S. shrimp market reached 983,000 tons in volume, with a value of $8.21 billion, reflecting steady demand despite price volatility.

2025

• Wholesale Price: As of February 2025, wholesale prices ranged from $6.79 to $13.58 per kilogram ($3.08 to $6.16 per pound), varying by type (e.g., frozen vs. fresh, wild vs. farmed). This broad range reflects market segmentation and supply availability.

• Retail Price: Early 2025 data suggests retail prices remain high, likely near $9 per pound, consistent with prior years’ reluctance to adjust downward despite lower wholesale costs.

• Context: The market is projected to hit $8.63 billion in value, with a volume of 827,050 tons. Penaeus vannamei dominates due to its cost-effective farming, while innovations like Atarraya’s “Shrimpbox” aim to boost local supply. Imports, especially from Asia, continue to drive pricing, with a forecasted CAGR of 1.65% through 2030.