Penaeus shrimps, commonly known as white, brown, or pink shrimps, are a group of commercially valuable crustaceans found in warm coastal waters worldwide. These shrimps are highly prized for their delicate flavor and are a cornerstone of the global seafood industry, both through wild capture and aquaculture. The "not elsewhere included" category refers to Penaeus species not specifically identified in catch statistics, encompassing several lesser-known but economically important varieties. The top fishing countries for these Penaeus shrimps include China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, all of which have extensive coastal areas and well-developed shrimp fisheries. These nations not only harvest wild stocks but also lead in shrimp farming, supplying vast amounts to international markets. The industry supports millions of livelihoods but also faces challenges such as overfishing, habitat loss, and the need for sustainable management practices.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Peru | 45,284 |
2 | Cameroon | 32,705 |
3 | India | 29,880 |
4 | Philippines | 17,947 |
5 | Thailand | 7,245 |
6 | Mozambique | 6,903 |
7 | Pakistan | 5,858 |
8 | Brazil | 4,100 |
9 | Australia | 3,105 |
10 | Nicaragua | 2,477 |
11 | Brunei Darussalam | 2,020 |
12 | Saudi Arabia | 1,999 |
13 | Mauritania | 1,680 |
14 | United States of America | 1,392 |
15 | Yemen | 1,135 |
16 | Trinidad and Tobago | 776 |
17 | Benin | 725 |
18 | Senegal | 700 |
19 | Guinea | 690 |
20 | United Republic of Tanzania | 568 |
21 | Panama | 560 |
22 | Spain | 542 |
23 | Sierra Leone | 480 |
24 | Honduras | 318 |
25 | French Guiana | 317 |
26 | Suriname | 315 |
27 | Guatemala | 289 |
28 | Congo | 189 |
29 | Gabon | 185 |
30 | Mexico | 183 |
31 | Costa Rica | 156 |
32 | Côte d'Ivoire | 135 |
33 | Dominican Republic | 75 |
34 | Ireland | 53 |
35 | Colombia | 40 |
36 | Eritrea | 36 |
37 | Guyana | 18 |
38 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 5 |
39 | France | 4 |
40 | Sweden | 1 |
40 | Togo | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.