China leads Vietnam’s crab exports as US shipments surge
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s crab exports rose 27% to US$231 million in the first eight months of 2026, supported by strong growth in shipments to China and a sharp increase in exports to the United States.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), China was Vietnam’s largest crab export market, while the US recorded particularly strong growth. However, reliance on a small number of key markets, alongside increasingly stringent trade and traceability requirements, continues to pose challenges for the industry.
Data from Vietnam Customs showed that crab exports reached US$41 million in August, up 53% year on year and the highest monthly value recorded since the beginning of the year. Cumulative exports for January-August totalled US$231 million, a 27% increase from the same period in 2025.
China retained its position as Vietnam’s largest crab export market, with shipments worth US$146 million, up 37% and accounting for nearly 63% of total export value. Including Hong Kong (China), the broader market made up around 64% of Vietnam’s crab exports.
Exports to the US rose 250% to US$24 million, making it Vietnam’s third largest market for the product and representing around 10% of total export value. Meanwhile, shipments to Japan fell 15% to US$53 million. Japan nevertheless secured second place, with a share of nearly 23%.
Other markets also posted strong growth, including Singapore, up 89%; Taiwan, up 62%; Canada, up 57%; and Hong Kong, up 72%. However, export values to these markets were relatively small.
VASEP attributed the industry’s strengths to Vietnam’s strategic location near major Asian consumer markets and its ability to supply live, frozen and processed crab products. The 27% increase in export value during the first eight months of 2026 points to continued growth in overseas sales, although market concentration and stricter trade requirements are key challenges.
US recognizes equivalency of Vietnam’s crab fishery under MMPA
VOV.VN - The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on May 11 announced an equivalency finding recognizing Vietnam’s crab fishery under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
