The shrimp export business of Bangladesh, which was previously a strong sector of seafood trade in the country, has experienced a downward trend in the FY 201516 after reaching its highest point. Although recent statistics show that the export earnings are slowly healing, there are structural challenges that are affecting both the farmers and the exporters.
The export of shrimps earned the sector around $529 million in FY 201516, which was the peak. Nevertheless, in the successive years, its earnings decreased severely, and they are currently below $300 million. In recent years, they have increased by 19%. Production and revenue changes have been especially hard hit in the coastal region of Khulna, which produces almost 90 per cent of the total shrimp exports in the country.
Export Revenue Trends
With the high post-COVID demand, exports in Khulna amounted to 24,108 tonnes valued at $307 million in FY 2021 22. Nevertheless, it dropped to 19,908 tonnes in volumes in FY 202223, and the revenues dropped to 219 million, which is 28% less value. The overall direction of production has been decreasing since 2014, and only momentary upsurges are associated with the changes in global demand.
Positively, exports of November 2025 were at 28.3 million dollars, showing a 10.5 per cent annual growth and a 24.5 per cent increase against the previous two years. Analysts credit this to the fact that the improvement has been attributed to improved global pricing as opposed to a huge production increase.
With these accruals, the export is projected to further reduce to 16,618 metric tonnes by FY 202627, unless strategic reforms and policy support are taken.
Profitability Insights
It has been demonstrated that, under appropriate management, small-scale shrimp farming in Bangladesh can have a gross margin of up to 59% and a benefit-cost ratio of over 1, meaning that the sector is still viable. Intensive farming systems, however, are confronted with accumulating feed, fry, biosecurity and disease control costs.
There are also some of the large exporters who have been able to enhance profitability even though revenues have been declining. Firms such as the Gemini Sea Food Ltd and the Apex Foods Limited have been able to reduce costs thus boosting profits despite decreased revenues of between 21 to 42 percent.
To the farmer, on the other hand, margins are still tightening due to increase in the cost of inputs, particularly feed and labour, and the low farm-gate prices.
| Fiscal Year | Khulna Exports (tonnes) | Khulna Revenue (US$ million) | National Notes |
| 2018-19 | 24,413 | 271 | Steady decline begins |
| 2019-20 | 23,068 | 266 | – |
| 2020-21 | 23,367 | 242 | – |
| 2021-22 | 24,108 | 307 | Peak post-COVID |
| 2022-23 | 19,908 | 219 | 28% value drop |
The main weaknesses affecting the Sector
The recurring diseases that are a problem in the industry include White Spot Syndrome Virus and Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND). Misuse of antibiotics and adulteration of products such as the use of jelly pushing have tarnished reputation and compliance standards across the globe.
Risks associated with climate, salinity changes, and natural calamities further interfere with production cycles. Also, the threat of substitute products by the Vannamei shrimp of India has greatly diminished the market share of the Bangladesh product in the world markets.
The number of exporters has been said to close down to almost 70 out of about 100 exporters because of shortage of raw materials. Experts in the industry recommend that Vannamei shrimp farming, enhanced policy support, better training and modernisation should be adopted to enable Bangladesh to achieve its high goal of 5 billion dollar exports in the near future, by 2030.
FAQs
1. What is the cause of the reduction in Bangladesh shrimp exports after 201516?
Exports were also hit by the disease outbreaks, increased costs of production, international competition (particularly India), quality management, and world demand vagaries.
2. Is the shrimp industry revitalised in Bangladesh?
According to the recent data, the recovery is moderate, as the export earnings have increased by 19% in the FY 202425, and November 2025 has shown better performance, primarily due to high prices.
3. What should be done to enhance the performance of shrimp exports in Bangladesh?
To enhance production and competitiveness in the globe, the introduction of Vannamei shrimp farming, enhancement of biosecurity, reinforcing policy, improving farmer training, and quality control can assist.
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