Top Western White Shrimp Fishing Countries

The Western white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), also known as Pacific white shrimp, is a highly valued species in global aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries, prized for its fast growth, adaptability, and mild flavor. Native to the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to northern Peru, this shrimp has become the cornerstone of the shrimp farming industry worldwide. The top countries harvesting Western white shrimp are China, India, Ecuador, Vietnam, and Thailand, with Ecuador being a leading exporter of wild-caught and farmed shrimp. These nations have developed extensive aquaculture operations, with China and India focusing primarily on farmed production for both domestic consumption and export, while Ecuador is renowned for its sustainable practices and high-quality exports to the United States and Europe. The fishing and farming of Western white shrimp play a significant role in the economies of these countries, providing employment and contributing substantially to their seafood export revenue.

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