Origin guide
Ecuador shrimp exports: 2024 figures, destinations and EU-listed establishments
Short answer: Ecuador was the world's largest exporter of frozen shrimp in 2024 (US$6.34 billion, 1,386,340 t), with China and the United States its largest buyers. 284 Ecuadorian establishments are on the EU list for fishery products; buyers still confirm the named plant, product form and documents for each lot.
Data year 2024 · trade figures checked 21 October 2026 · EU listings checked 23 October 2026
2024 export figures
Total HS 030613 exports were US$6.34 billion (1,386,340 t). FAO also ranks Ecuador third for all fisheries and aquaculture exports in 2024 (about US$9.2 billion, mainly shrimp).
| Partner | 2024 value | Quantity | Read with care |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | US$2.92 billion | 748,881 t | |
| United States | US$1.42 billion | 253,781 t | |
| Spain | US$339 million | 67,164 t | |
| Italy | US$292 million | 42,546 t | |
| France | US$231 million | 41,872 t |
EU-listed fishery establishments
Ecuador establishments on the EU list for fishery products: 284 (list updated 22 October 2026).
Processing plant 170 · Freezer vessel 111 · Freezer vessel (tuna in brine) 14 · Cold store 3
One establishment can be listed for more than one activity, so activity counts can add up to more than the total.
Approvals can change: establishments are added, suspended and removed, and these counts are a snapshot read on 23 October 2026. A listing covers fishery products in general — it does not name species or show that a plant handles frozen shrimp — and it does not replace other requirements such as health certificates or IUU catch certificates. FishMatch does not republish establishment names and does not imply any listed plant is a FishMatch supplier. Before contracting, check the live list and the exact approval number, and our team checks named plants during each request review.
Official sources in Ecuador
Ecuador's Ministry of Production publishes copies of the EU list of approved Ecuadorian establishments; the EU's TRACES list remains the reference.
Route-by-route checks
What to verify before you buy
- The packing plant's approval number on the current list for your destination (for the EU, the TRACES list).
- Production method per lot and the species stated on the documents.
- Count and glaze basis of each offer, and net weight after de-glazing.
- Health certificate model and traceability records for each consignment.
Request a reviewed sourcing round
Free for buyers, for annual or seasonal programs of USD 250,000 or more. A person reviews every request before any producer is approached; buyers and suppliers stay confidential to each other and there is no direct contact. FishMatch Group coordinates sourcing and does not produce, certify, inspect or guarantee products.
Questions
- Are all EU-listed Ecuadorian establishments shrimp packers?
- No. The list covers fishery products in general and includes freezer vessels, many of them tuna vessels (111 freezer vessels and 14 vessels freezing tuna in brine). Check what each plant actually packs.
- Do the 2024 figures show what Ecuador can supply me now?
- No. They are historical customs values, not stock, prices or proof that any producer can supply or is approved for your destination.