The US remains the key market but growth slows down
In the first nine months of 2025, crab exports to the US reached more than USD 46 million, accounting for nearly 81% of total export value, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. However, compared with the double-digit growth rate of the previous year, this increase shows that consumption in the US market is slowing down due to high prices, rising logistics costs, and abundant supply from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Nevertheless, the US remains the main market, especially for cooked crab meat and canned crab, which are favored by consumers in the restaurant and retail segments.
EU and CPTPP emerge as new bright spots
A notable highlight in the picture of Vietnam’s crab exports in 2025 is the strong recovery in the EU and CPTPP markets. Exports to the EU reached more than USD 2 million, up 161% compared to the same period last year; particularly, France more than doubled (+208%), becoming the largest crab import market of Vietnam within this bloc. Exports to the countries participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also recorded an increase of 28%. Exports to markets such as the UK and Australia all showed positive signs. Especially, Australia surged by 280% in September 2025, reflecting strong demand for convenient processed crab products and high-quality frozen products.
Asian markets see strong fluctuations
In contrast with the upward trend in Europe, crab exports to China and Hong Kong dropped sharply by 55% and 7% respectively in the nine months. The main reasons came from weak purchasing power and stricter quarantine regulations after the Chinese domestic market had abundant supply from local catches. South Korea also recorded a decrease of 17%, reflecting the trend of dieting and substitution by domestic products or cheaper shrimp and fish.
Global crab market trends in 2025
In 2025, the global crab market witnesses prices remaining at high levels due to limited natural catches, rising logistics costs, while demand in the US, Japan, and China remains strong. Products such as snow crab, king crab, and blue swimming crab – which are mainly exported by Vietnam – all tend to maintain or slightly increase prices in Q4/2025. Importers are paying more attention to traceability, sustainability certification, and deep processing – a trend that many Vietnamese enterprises are shifting toward to meet market requirements.
Outlook for late 2025–2026: Expanding value-added products
With a stable recovery foundation, Vietnam’s crab exports in the last months of 2025 are expected to maintain a slight upward trend, thanks to high demand during the festive season in the US and Europe. In 2026, growth is forecast to reach 3–5%, if enterprises continue to diversify products and markets. However, changes in US trade policy may restrain shipments to this market and cause export revenue instability. To take advantage of this trend, Vietnamese enterprises need to: invest in deep-processed products (packed crab meat, canned crab, crab surimi); promote sustainability certification (MSC, FIP) to expand exports to the EU and Japan; and diversify markets to avoid excessive dependence on the US.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the 2026 brackish-water shrimp farming calendar issued by the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the 2026 crop started in early January and is expected to harvest in late June. However, stocking progress has been slower than planned as farmers remain cautious, focusing on pond renovation and production preparations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, commercial clam prices in Ha Tinh province surged sharply, nearly doubling compared to normal levels and standing about 20–30% higher than the same period last year. The spike has encouraged many aquaculture households to accelerate harvesting and sell large volumes to the market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In January 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 379.6 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2025. The double-digit growth in the very first month of the year signals a relatively positive recovery in orders, particularly in Asian markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From the very beginning of 2026, India’s shrimp industry has received a series of favorable trade signals: U.S. reciprocal tariffs have been reduced, while the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU has opened prospects for eliminating nearly all seafood tariffs in the coming years. This shift not only enables Indian shrimp to quickly offset declines in the U.S. market, but also reshapes the global competitive landscape, placing greater pressure on Vietnamese shrimp exporters in terms of price, market share, and strategic positioning.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Entering 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is recording many positive signals, both in terms of raw fish prices and export prospects. Export turnover this year is projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion. Amid ongoing volatility in the global market, diversifying export destinations, reducing dependence on major markets, and effectively leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) are considered key to maintaining sustainable growth and creating new momentum for the pangasius sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With forecasts indicating that weather conditions in 2026 may become more complex—featuring prolonged heatwaves, unseasonal rains, and increased salinity intrusion—the agricultural sector of Can Tho City advises brackish water shrimp farmers to strictly follow the seasonal farming calendar and strengthen pond environmental management to minimize risks and improve production efficiency.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On February 4, a working delegation led by the Authority of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science and Technology) met with the Management Board of Cat Lo Fishing Port (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to comprehensively review the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), assess signal connectivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of information technology applications in fisheries management across the city.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for China’s lobster market, with total imports reaching a record high and the supply structure undergoing major changes. Amid this surge, Vietnam’s lobster exports—especially green lobster—accelerated dramatically, reaching new highs and contributing substantially to Vietnam’s overall record shrimp export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a range of synchronized solutions, from institutional improvements and strengthened communication to strict fleet control, Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, determined to join the country in soon having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 closed with a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. According to Vietnam Customs, the country’s total shrimp export turnover in 2025 reached USD 4.6 billion, up 19% compared to 2024 and the highest level ever recorded.
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