Vietnam’s crab exports during January-June rose 38% on-year to reach the 10-year high of US$173 million, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The association reported that crab shipments increased at a steady pace in Q2, driven mainly by China’s strong demand for live crabs and stable orders from Japan.

Exports to Australia rose 58% annually in Q2, while the value shipped to the European Union markets jumped 71% year-on-year.

Domestic purchase prices also soared, with top-grade roe crabs in Ca Mau fetching VND700,000 ($27.4) per kilogram and premium swimming crabs up to VND500,000 ($23.5) per kilogram.

Wholesale roe crab prices reached around VND600,000 ($25.4) per kilogram, while meat crabs sold for VND200,000 – VND300,000 ($15.6 – $17.6) per kilogram.

According to VASEP, Vietnam’s competitive edge in crab and swimming crab lies in their quality and absence of antibiotics, which helps strengthen trust in demanding markets.

VASEP advised that local farmers and producers should be aware of quarantine, farming area codes, and price competition, in addition to expanding certified farming areas, and investing in cold storage and logistics to tap the high-margin live crab segment.

With festival seasons in China, South Korea, and other Asian markets ahead, VASEP projects 2025 crab and swimming crab exports could surpass $350 million.