The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) cites Vietnam Customs’ data, saying crab export earnings in the first 11 months of the year rose 9% year on year to US$81 million.

Exports to the US alone reached nearly US$67 million, up 15% year on year, reinforcing its position as Vietnam’s largest crab export market.

Despite this strong performance, VASEP cautions that heavy reliance on a single market carries risks, particularly as the US applies reciprocal tariffs and tightens enforcement of the MMPA.

In this context, the European Union is considered a potential market for Vietnamese businesses. During the 11-month period, Vietnam’s crab exports to the EU surged 109% year on year to nearly US$3 million. Notably, shipments to France and Belgium recorded triple-digit growth of 121% and 952%, respectively.

Regarding trends, VASEP notes that global importers are increasingly emphasising traceability, sustainability certifications and value-added processing. These requirements are pushing Vietnamese exporters to adapt more rapidly in terms of production processes and documentation, while also helping reduce dependence on policy shifts in any single market.

The EU is projected to remain a key growth pillar due to its strong growth momentum. However, further expansion will depend on meeting strict requirements for traceability, sustainability standards, and deeper value-added processing.

Earlier in late October, the US Court of International Trade ruled to temporarily suspend the ban on crab imports from Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. The suspension will last until the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/NMFS) completes its assessment of equivalency in marine mammal protection between the exporting countries and the US.

VASEP stresses that this suspension does not eliminate risk but represents a critical window for Vietnamese exporters to finalise documentation, strengthen compliance evidence, and standardise traceability systems.

In September 2025, NOAA issued a final decision denying equivalence recognition for 12 Vietnamese fisheries under the MMPA. As a result, imports of several seafood products, including crab, were scheduled to be suspended from January 1, 2026.

Given current momentum, VASEP forecasts that Vietnam’s crab exports can maintain growth in 2026, provided the US market remains open and businesses move swiftly to meet MMPA compliance requirements.

Five-month crab exports to China skyrocket by 502%

VOV.VN - Vietnamese crab exports to the Chinese market during the opening five months of the year soared by 502% to reach more than US$41 million, thereby turning China into the largest consumer of Vietnamese crab, according to statistics released by the General Department of Vietnam Customs.