Ecuadorian shrimp exports to Russia fell 28 percent by volume in February to just over 4 million pounds in a month that saw the widely condemned invasion of neighboring Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin's forces.

The Russian market, Ecuadorian shrimp exporters' sixth-largest, was a rising star in 2021, with shipments to Russia climbing 56 percent by volume to 54 million pounds, worth $128 million (€114 million).

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, however, has upended the market.

Last month Ecuadorian shrimp exporter Songa and Santa Priscila joined the growing list of companies ceasing trade with Russia as the backlash against the country gained momentum following the Feb.