Exporting Shrimp and Shellfish to the US — Seafood Distributors and Retailers

Shrimp and shellfish are among the most consumed seafood products in the United States, with per capita consumption of shrimp alone reaching 4.6 pounds in 2023, according to the National Fisheries Institute [1]. The US market relies heavily on imports—roughly 90% of shrimp consumed is imported—making it a prime destination for Latin American suppliers [2]. This page provides a comprehensive overview for US seafood distributors and retailers sourcing shrimp and shellfish from Latin America and Africa, covering product specifications, supplier landscapes, certification requirements, pricing context, and how Coppermont facilitates these transactions.

Product Specifications and Grades for US Buyers

US buyers typically require shrimp and shellfish that meet specific grading and quality standards. Shrimp is commonly graded by count per pound (e.g., U-15, 16-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70), with larger counts commanding higher prices. The two primary species imported are whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), with vannamei dominating due to its mild flavor and consistent texture [3]. For shellfish, key products include frozen lobster tails (primarily from the Caribbean and Central America), clams, mussels, and scallops. US buyers often specify individually quick frozen (IQF) shrimp, block-frozen shrimp, or peeled and deveined (P&D) products. Glazing levels (typically 10-20% by weight) are critical for shelf life and pricing. The US Department of Commerce’s Seafood Inspection Program grades shrimp on factors like color, texture, and absence of defects, while the FDA mandates that all imported seafood must comply with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system [4].

Latin American and African Supplier Landscape

Latin America is the dominant source of shrimp and shellfish for the US market. Ecuador is the largest supplier of farmed shrimp, exporting over 1.5 billion pounds in 2023, with the US as its top destination [5]. Other key Latin American suppliers include Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Brazil for shrimp, while Chile and Peru are major exporters of frozen shellfish like mussels and scallops. In Africa, countries such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania produce high-quality farmed and wild-caught shrimp, though volumes are smaller compared to Latin America. These suppliers offer a range of products from raw headless shell-on shrimp to fully cooked, peeled, and deveined formats. Many farms and processing plants in the region are certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) to meet US retailer and distributor requirements [6].

US Buyer Types: Who Buys Shrimp and Shellfish and How They Procure

US seafood distributors and retailers are the primary buyers of imported shrimp and shellfish. Distributors often purchase large volumes (container loads of 40,000-60,000 pounds) and supply restaurants, grocery chains, and food service operators. Retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Kroger have stringent supplier requirements, including third-party certifications and traceability documentation. Procurement is typically conducted through direct contracts with foreign processors or via US-based importers who manage logistics and customs clearance. Key specifications for buyers include species, size grade, processing format (e.g., IQF, block-frozen, P&D), glazing percentage, and country of origin. Buyers also require HACCP compliance, FDA facility registration, and often a Prior Notice of Imported Food submission [7]. Seasonality affects pricing, with peak shrimp imports occurring in the months leading up to Lent and summer grilling season.

Certifications and Import Requirements

To enter the US market, shrimp and shellfish must meet rigorous import requirements. All foreign seafood processors must be registered with the FDA and comply with HACCP regulations. Additionally, the FDA conducts random inspections at ports of entry. For shrimp, the US government has imposed anti-dumping duties on certain countries (e.g., India, Vietnam, Thailand, and China), but Latin American suppliers like Ecuador are generally exempt, providing a competitive advantage. Voluntary certifications such as BAP, ASC, GlobalG.A.P., and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild-caught products are increasingly demanded by US retailers and food service buyers. Traceability is also critical: the Seafood Import Monitoring Program requires importers of shrimp to provide information on species, harvest location, and chain of custody [8].

Pricing and Lead Time Context

Pricing for shrimp and shellfish is highly volatile and influenced by global supply, disease outbreaks (e.g., early mortality syndrome), feed costs, and currency fluctuations. As of early 2025, wholesale prices for Ecuadorian vannamei shrimp (16-20 count, shell-on, frozen) range from $4.50 to $5.50 per pound FOB, while larger sizes (U-15) can reach $6.50 per pound. Lead times from Latin American suppliers are typically 4-6 weeks from order confirmation to delivery at a US port, including production, container loading, and ocean transit. African suppliers may require 6-8 weeks due to longer transit times and less frequent shipping schedules. Buyers should factor in additional time for customs clearance and FDA inspection, which can add 2-5 business days.

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont acts as a strategic trade advisory for US seafood distributors and retailers seeking reliable sources of shrimp and shellfish from Latin America and Africa. We conduct supplier due diligence, verify certifications, negotiate contracts, and manage logistics, including compliance with FDA and customs requirements. For suppliers, we provide market access to the largest seafood import market in the world. Whether you are a distributor looking for a steady supply of BAP-certified vannamei shrimp or a processor in Ecuador seeking US buyers, Coppermont facilitates the entire trade cycle. Contact our team to discuss your sourcing or sales needs.