Vietnam’s crab exports are showing a positive recovery in 2025, despite market disparities and increasing competitive pressures. Since 2023, the export value of this product group has been steadily rising, indicating significant expansion opportunities.
According to Vietnam Customs statistics, the last 10 months of 2025 have seen a rapid increase in exports, especially towards the year-end. The total export value during this period reached $71 million, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Among various markets, the United States remains dominant, accounting for nearly 82% of Vietnam’s total crab exports, with a value of approximately $58 million, a 15% increase year-over-year. This is a positive sign of stable demand for processed and frozen crab products, a segment where Vietnam excels.
In contrast to the declining demand in Asian markets, Europe and the CPTPP bloc are emerging as highly promising markets.
Vietnam’s crab exports to CPTPP member countries have been surging in the final months of the year, driven by increased demand in the UK, Canada, and Japan. In October alone, exports to Canada and Japan soared by 337% and 639%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Exports to the UK, the largest importer in the bloc, also rose by 6% this month.
In the EU market, October exports grew at a slower pace of 7%. However, cumulatively over the first 10 months of 2025, export value to this market surged by 120% compared to the same period in 2024. Within this bloc, exports to the two largest markets, France and Belgium, are experiencing triple-digit growth.
Currently, demand in the EU and CPTPP is shifting towards convenient, safe, and certified products—factors that Vietnam’s processed crab industry is increasingly meeting. This shift presents an opportunity for businesses to transition towards deeper processing, thereby enhancing export value.
Meanwhile, exports to China and Hong Kong, traditionally major importers of live and fresh crabs, continue to decline sharply. The total export value to these markets in the first 10 months of 2025 was just over $2 million, a nearly 50% drop compared to the same period in 2024.
This decline is attributed to increased domestic supply in China, tighter import restrictions on fresh products, and competition from cheaper regional suppliers.
The global crab market has become increasingly competitive in recent years due to rising production from major farming nations and stricter import standards in Western countries.
Nevertheless, Vietnamese crabs remain highly regarded for their meat quality, clean production processes, and compliance with international standards. These advantages are crucial for Vietnam to sustain growth in the US, EU, and CPTPP markets.
Additionally, the Vietnam Crab Improvement Program, jointly implemented by the Crab Club of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), WWF Vietnam, and consulting units including the Research Institute for Marine Fisheries (RIMF) and the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute (IO), is expected to further boost Vietnam’s crab exports.
Post-2024, global crab consumption trends show a clear shift: increasing demand for live crabs in Asia; a surge in processed products, canned crab meat, and cooked crabs in the EU and US; and a preference for certified, traceable products.
With its strengths in deep processing, Vietnam is well-positioned to adapt to these trends. It is forecasted that Vietnam’s crab exports will continue to grow in the final two months of 2025.
Vietnam’s ‘Superfood’ Sensation Captivates Russia: 0% Import Tax & Over 75 Markets Hooked
Since the beginning of the year, this product has generated nearly $800 million in revenue.
Vietnamese Blue Swimmer Crabs Shift Tides: US Demand Slows as Key Market Surges Ahead
Vietnam’s high-quality products are highly sought after in numerous markets worldwide, solidifying their reputation for excellence.
Revamping Job Titles and Wage Structures: A Study on Deregulation and Innovation
The government has announced plans to review and potentially eliminate professional title classifications, aligning this move with the modernization of salary structures based on job roles.
The Sunken Treasure: Vietnam’s Aquatic Delicacies Shine Abroad
The product in question is highly sought-after in countries like China and Australia due to its superior quality and Vietnamese origin.
“Vietnamese Products Hit a 10-Year High: Seizing the Golden Opportunity to Soar on the Global Stage”
The Vietnamese crab and shrimp industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in exports, propelling the sector to record-breaking heights. This exceptional performance has positioned the industry at its pinnacle over the last decade.
