Crab exports skyrocket

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Aug 18, 20224:42 AM

In this article (4)

Vietnam crab exports rose 41% to $111 million between Jan. 1 and July 15 this year, according to data from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The U.S, China, Japan and France were the four major markets accounting for 92% of the value.

China was the fastest growing market as exports surged 74% year-on-year to $37 million, followed by France (up 60%) and Japan (51%).

Exports to the U.S. grew 27%, though the country was Vietnam’s top market with a value of $38 million.

Crab prices have surged amid domestic shortage and rising demand from major markets in the U.S., China and Japan.

Hoang, a crab seller, said prices at-the-farm have risen 20% since last month to VND400,000-600,000 ($17-26) a kilogram but there was hardly enough for him to sell.

A VnExpress survey showed crab prices in HCMC have risen to the highest in the year-to-date at VND900,000 a kilogram.

VASEP expects crab exports to thrive in the second half this year thanks to rising demand driven by holidays like Christmas and Lunar New Year.

AdvertisementAdvertise with usMobile 320×100

What this means

This substantial surge in Vietnam's crab exports confirms the escalating Asian consumer appetite for high-value food products, mirroring the premiumisation seen in other sectors like beauty and luxury. The 74% growth in China highlights a key market opportunity, a trend also observed with Panpuri's aggressive expansion into China. While strong demand is positive, the domestic shortages and 20% farm-gate price increase present a significant risk of margin compression for retailers and potential consumer resistance if prices continue climbing sharply. Unlike the controlled retail expansion of Tiffany & Co., this commodity surge is demand-driven and less predictable. Retailers must secure stable supply chains quickly or risk losing market share. Watch Vietnamese crab export figures for the next quarter to see if price inflation moderates.

Aiko Tanaka · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

Which countries are the largest markets for Vietnamese crab exports?

The four main markets for Vietnamese crab exports are the U.S., China, Japan, and France. Together, these countries account for 92% of the total export value.

Why have crab prices increased in Vietnam?

Crab prices have risen due to a domestic shortage and increased demand from major markets such as the U.S., China, and Japan. Prices at the farm have also seen a 20% increase since last month.

What is the forecast for crab exports in the latter half of the year?

VASEP anticipates that crab exports will continue to perform well in the second half of this year. This positive outlook is primarily driven by an expected increase in demand during holiday periods like Christmas and Lunar New Year.

Reader pulse

Is the crab price surge sustainable?

23,610 votes so far