Exports grew steadily through the second quarter, despite a slight dip in shipments of crabs and three-striped crabs in June. Vietnamese crabs and other crustaceans reached 25 markets during the period, most of which recorded strong growth.

China remained the largest market, particularly for live Vietnamese crabs, while Japan maintained stable import levels. Vietnam’s competitive edge lies in its high-quality crabs, free of antibiotic residues and compliant with international standards.

In the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) markets, Canada and the UK reduced imports in the second quarter, while exports to the EU surged 71% year-on-year, slightly slower than in Q1. Shipments to Australia also rebounded strongly, rising 58% in Q2.

Despite the positive outlook, VASEP cautioned about ongoing challenges, including quarantine procedures, farming area codes, and intensifying price competition. The association urged localities to expand certified farming zones and invest in cold storage and logistics to capitalise on the high-profit live crab segment. It also advised firms to prioritise long-term contracts to mitigate pricing risks during peak seasons.

With demand expected to rise in the second half of the year, particularly during festival periods in China, the Republic of Korea, and other Asian markets, VASEP forecasts that Vietnamese crab exports could exceed US$350 million by the end of 2025.

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.