Vietnam’s crab exports were worth US$44.5 million in the first four months of this year, a 40% year-on-year increase, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Crab prices were steady in the first five months of this year
but have been falling since June. (Photo: tienphong)

The main markets were China, the US, Japan, and the EU.

China, which was only the fourth largest buyer in the same period last year, bought more than US$13 million worth of the crustacean, up nearly 394%.

Exports to Japan grew by 37.4% to US$10.3 million.

But shipments to the US and EU decreased by 18.3% and 17%, respectively.

China also increased import of Vietnamese fish cakes and surimi by 37% to US$14.8 million. It was the only major market to increase the import of fish cakes and surimi from Vietnam.

VASEP said Chinese demand for seafood has recovered since March. Vietnam’s exports to the country increased by 35% in April and 20% in May.

Japanese demand for Vietnamese seafood has also been robust. In May, exports were up 9% after increasing by 16% in April.

VASEP said that with this rate of growth, Japan would continue to be one of the largest markets for Vietnam this year and help offset much of the decline in exports to the US and the EU.