With global shrimp demand projected to surpass 7 million tons by 2030, Ecuador has maintained its position as the leading producer for the past three years, outpacing major competitors like India and China. This success is attributed to several key factors that have propelled Ecuador's shrimp sector to the forefront of global production.

Excellent Natural Environment:

Relatively Extensive Farming Mode

      Unlike the high-density farming model in Asia aimed at increasing economic efficiency, Ecuador's vannamei shrimp farming model is relatively extensive. The traditional stocking density is 1-10 pc/m2, replaced by larger farming areas (a single pond can often reach an area of 10 hectares) to increase total output. The low-density extensive farming model imposes less burden on the farming environment and reduces space-related stress on the shrimp, resulting in faster growth and survival rates of over 90%.

Culturing Mode Changing

          Accompanied by Chinese companies like Haida and Tongwei Group stationed and established manufacturers there, more Ecuadorians and Chinese started increasing the stocking area and density of culturing L. vannamei to 10-40 pcs/m2. China's market became the 1st country to export white shrimp (59%); although the shrimp’s price keeps falling, the annual production has increased to more than 1 million tonnes since 2021.

Results of Global Warming

        Influenced by the Peru Current, Ecuador has relatively low average water temperatures throughout the year, allowing for a maximum of only two harvests of vannamei shrimp annually. However, due to global warming and the El Niño phenomenon, rising seawater temperatures have accelerated the growth rate of vannamei shrimp. This has enabled Ecuador to achieve up to three yearly harvests, further increasing production.

Besides the advantage of the natural environment, Ecuador’s shrimp industry benefits from robust support from institutions such as the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) and initiatives like the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP). These organizations have established a cohesive approach to biosecurity, sanitation, and sustainability. The comprehensive restructuring initiated in 2017, which included the "Scale-Up Program for Shrimp Hatcheries" and the Competitive Improvement Plan (PMC), has optimized the shrimp production chain. Legislative reforms, such as the 2017 updates to the Fishing Law, have provided a robust regulatory framework. Technological advancements and surveillance systems have revolutionized local farm operations, further strengthening the industry.

Ecuador engages stakeholders across the shrimp production chain to ensure quality and traceability. Effective management mitigates challenges such as disease outbreaks. Christian Chen of BiomiXin noted that the Fisheries Bureau inspects propagated algae strains to ensure purity, prohibits strains from other countries, and enforces strict additive regulations, demonstrating exceptional management of shrimp farming.

Strategic Trade Opportunities

Global Challenges and Opportunities

          In 2023, global economic stagnation and inflation reduced demand for non-essential products, causing a significant decline in Ecuador's shrimp exports. Despite various efforts, the industry faces challenges such as plummeting global shrimp prices, intensified competition, and rising production costs. Additionally, diseases like EHP and Vibrio infections pose significant risks. The environmental degradation caused by increased aquaculture production will also be an unavoidable risk in the future. Although improvements in disease management and biosecurity measures can reduce the threats posed by diseases and climate change, how to develop the aquaculture industry while steadily increasing production sustainably remains a crucial issue for the shrimp farming sector.