Consumers in
Current imports for Agama, a $200 million revenue importer, processor and distributor of shrimp, are currently practically nothing, Igor Salagaev, marketing manager at the firm, told Undercurrent News.
“Demand is very slow. Normally we import around 3,000 tons per month raw material, but at the moment, nothing,” he said.
Looking at yearly import statistics for shrimp, of which cooked, head-on, shell-on is the main product for the Russian market, it is clear that demand is dwindling. The volume of shrimp imported in 2012 was 30,245 metric tons – 21% lower than just two years previously.
So far for 2013 Agama has imported 10,843t, and Salagaev forecasts the year total will reach 26,500t – another 12% drop year-on-year.
“The big picture is that the coldwater shrimp market is going down,” he said. “The market will lose 10%, 15% of imports.”
“Just look at the monthly figures: the standard monthly imports is around 2,500 – 3,000 mt. In April- May it was about 1,000-1,400t. We have not been importing for the past months as well.”
There are two reasons for this drop in imports, and the first is the price for the importer.
Several of the largest Russian firms have traditionally focused on importing small sizes shrimp, 180+ pieces per kg, or 200+, said Salagaev, whose own firm Agama has been paying more attention to larger shrimp.
The prices for these shrimp have been increasing for several years now, and has stabilized at a level much higher than it used to be.
“People only just started to care about quality, last year maybe. Now they are beginning to buy good quality shrimp” “Russian importers are not interested. They were buying cheap, and selling on as a cheap product,” he said. “Now if they buy it they have to sell it at a worse margin.”
He also pointed out that the ruble has lost 10% against the euro and the dollar, which makes it even less worthwhile purchasing expensive products to sell cheaply.
The second reason for the drop in imports is that Russian consumers are buying less prawns at better levels of quality.
The MSC certification of Greenland’s shrimp fishery means little to
“People only just started to care about quality, last year maybe. Now they are beginning to buy good quality shrimp.”
Once again he has the statistics to back this: last year Agama’s sales of own-brand, larger sized shrimp was around 195t per month. This year sales have been 260t per month.
Around three months ago the firm, which is in the process of setting up a chain of stores throughout
“Another item is the 50/70, which is popular in
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
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