Top Common Shrimp Fishing Countries

Shrimp are small, decapod crustaceans found in both marine and freshwater environments, prized globally for their delicate flavor and versatility in cuisine. The shrimp fishing industry is a major sector within global seafood production, with wild-caught and farmed shrimp ranking among the most traded seafood commodities. The top common shrimp fishing countries include China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Ecuador. These nations harvest various species, such as whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), and northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis). China and India lead both in wild capture and aquaculture production, while Southeast Asian countries and Ecuador are also major exporters, supplying shrimp to markets in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The industry is vital for local economies but faces challenges related to overfishing, bycatch, and environmental impacts associated with intensive shrimp farming.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.