Vietnam’s crab and swimming crab exports reach USD 62 million in first two months
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) reported that Vietnam’s exports of crabs, swimming crabs, and other crustaceans saw strong growth, exceeding USD 62 million (VND 1.55 trillion) in the first two months of the year.
According to VASEP, Vietnamese crabs and swimming crabs are gaining a stronger foothold in the global market thanks to their exceptional quality, compliance with food safety standards, and antibiotic-free status, which enhances their competitiveness in high-demand markets.
Currently, China, Hong Kong (China), Japan, the U.S., Canada, and South Korea are the largest importers of Vietnamese crabs and other crustaceans, accounting for over 96% of the total export revenue.
Among these markets, China has been the primary growth driver, with rising demand for live crabs. Meanwhile, Japan’s stable purchasing power has also played a role in maintaining the strong upward trend in export turnover.
Projections suggest that by 2025, crab and swimming crab exports could surpass USD 350 million as global demand continues to rise.
Beyond crabs and swimming crabs, Vietnam’s seafood sector as a whole also experienced positive growth in the first two months of 2025. Total seafood exports reached USD 1.42 billion, marking an 18% increase year-on-year. Shrimp remained the top-performing product, generating USD 542 million in revenue, up 30.8%. Other seafood categories also showed impressive growth, including shelled mollusks (up 121% to USD 39 million) and squid and octopus (up 13.8% to USD 101 million), indicating strong global demand.
However, not all seafood products performed well. Pangasius exports saw a slight decline of 0.8%, totaling USD 253 million, mainly due to rising raw material costs and increasingly strict tariff policies in the U.S. Additionally, high inventory levels in the U.S. have reduced import demand, forcing the pangasius industry to adjust production strategies to mitigate risks.
Despite these promising trends, Vietnam’s seafood industry continues to face major challenges related to export regulations. The EU’s IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing) standards and the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) are becoming more stringent, requiring stricter traceability. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to import restrictions, directly impacting export revenue.
VASEP emphasizes that ensuring a sustainable and transparent supply chain, along with close collaboration between businesses, fishermen, and regulatory authorities, will be crucial for long-term growth.
Additionally, if Vietnam can stabilize its raw material supply and further enhance product quality, total seafood export revenue for the year could reach USD 11 billion, solidifying the industry’s position in the global seafood market.
VFM
